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In this episode of The EBP Exchange, I sit down with Dr. Carol Tolman for a candid conversation about two of the most misunderstood forces in literacy implementation: fidelity and flexibility. We unpack what it really means to stay true to the science of reading while still honoring the needs of teachers, students, and real classrooms.

We explore common barriers to implementation, where schools get stuck, and how knowledge, not just programs, drives meaningful change. It’s an honest discussion about literacy, leadership, professional courage, and navigating the tensions that come with doing this work well.

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In this episode, I meet with Amanda Jgentenfl, and we dive into the heart of early math development and why number sense is the foundation on which everything else is built. Amanda unpacks the power of subitizing and how helping children see quantities flexibly sets them up for deeper mathematical thinking rather than just memorization.

We talk about why strong number sense matters so much in the early years, how gaps form when that foundation isn’t solid, and what that means for later math learning. We also explore simple, practical math games that build fluency, flexibility, and confidence without turning math into drills and stress.

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies you can use immediately and one big reminder: stay curious. When we approach math with curiosity instead of urgency, kids don’t just get better at math; they start to see themselves as mathematicians.

John Hattie Visible Learning- https://a.co/d/0dmL9m4K

Pamela Seda- Choosing to See-https://a.co/d/0fqolgH4

Math For the Wigglers and Dreamers - Kim Machnik- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LN-TndX63eWlZ-FmuxGU37EPwW9n8Ql/view

Forefront Education - USNS- https://forefront.education/solutions/usns-project/

OGAP- https://ogapmathllc.com/

Math For Love- https://mathforlove.com/

Want more from Amanda? Find her at:

Mathematical Minds LLC- https://mathematicalminds.org/

Facebook: Mathematical Minds NH

Instagram: mathematical_minds_nh

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Teri Marx to unpack one of the most pressing tensions in education today: if we know what works, why aren’t we consistently doing it?

We dive into evidence-based practices and the persistent implementation gap that keeps at-risk students from receiving the instruction they need. Our conversation explores the difference between adopting a program and truly implementing it with fidelity, the role of data in guiding decision-making, and the challenges schools face when translating research into daily practice.

We also discuss specially designed instruction, how systemic and congressional policies shape what happens in classrooms, and the day-to-day realities educators navigate as they try to do right by students. From funding structures to competing initiatives, we examine the structural barriers that make sustainable implementation so difficult.

This episode is a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what it will take to close the gap between research and reality, especially for students who cannot afford for us to get it wrong. https://www.placellc.org/about

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In this episode, I sit down with Jay McTighe, internationally recognized educator and co-author of Understanding by Design, one of the most influential frameworks in curriculum and instructional design. Jay shares insights from more than four decades of experience as a teacher, curriculum developer, and thought leader.

We delve into the heart of backward design, exploring what it truly means to plan with the end in mind, and how educators can move beyond “coverage” to create meaningful learning experiences that foster understanding, transfer, and student engagement. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical takeaways and big-picture wisdom for rethinking how we design learning that lasts.

Resources:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CcrYMOSANKgScwavyjzP-vtWUFo0DD28?usp=sharing

https://jaymctighe.com/

Keep an eye out for his new book!

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In this episode, I talk with my sister Tania Siff, unpacking and talking about everything from a childhood running around in the woods to neuroplasticity.

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In this Episode we talk to Dr. Elaine Holden, Director of The Reading Foundation, specialist, consultant and supervisor for over 40 years. She is the author of Building Elementary Classroom Tests for RTI. She is also the host of Education Matters on Nashua TV, you can find on YouTube. We will talk about the power of language and social communication in early development.

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In this episode of The EBP Exchange, we sit down with Joanne Grobecker a representative from the Parent Information Center to explore the heart of family-school partnerships. We explore what it takes to keep families informed, engaged, and empowered, from crafting clear communication to navigating the hard conversations with honesty and care. We discuss strategies for building trust, handling the tough moments with courage, and making sure parents feel like true partners in their child’s education. Whether you’re an educator looking to strengthen family connections or a parent wanting to understand the other side of the conversation, this episode is full of insights to bridge home and school for the benefit of every student.

https://picnh.org/

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In this episode of The EBP Exchange, we sit down with the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Special Education Literacy Coach to unpack the realities of implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) in schools. We explore the balancing act between fidelity and flexibility, the systemic and structural barriers that can derail great intentions, and how school culture influences successful implementation. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or education advocate, this conversation sheds light on what it really takes to move EBPs from research to practice and why building a culture of trust, collaboration, and equity matters every step of the way.