How To Unpack Math Standards with Teachers: The Strategy Every Math Team Needs

Math curriculums and standards are more ambitious than ever—often asking teachers to cover more than a year's worth of learning in less than 10 months. Many districts have wisely taken the first step by identifying priority math standards. But the real magic happens in what comes next: unpacking those standards.

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to unpack a math standard. We’ll model the process using an example focused on exponents and powers to make this abstract concept concrete. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or system leader, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to support your team in turning ambitious standards into focused, achievable learning goals.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why ambitious math standards often overwhelm both teachers and students
• The importance of identifying priority or power math standards
• What “unpacking a math standard” actually involves
• How unpacking builds clarity and coherence across grade levels
• A step-by-step model using exponents to show unpacking a math standard in action
• Tips for using collaboration and teacher teams to deepen math curriculum understanding

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.
Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.