Why Math Improvement Efforts Stall Without Clear Bridges

District math objectives can’t live on a slide deck. For change to happen, they need Bridges—the leaders who translate vision into action at the school and classroom level.

In this episode, we explore who the Bridges are (principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, coordinators, and teacher-leaders) and why their role is essential to making district math objectives real. We dig into their responsibilities—guiding schools to set realistic math improvement goals, facilitating PLCs, modeling effective math practices, and supporting the use of monitoring tools as growth instruments rather than evaluation checklists.

We also unpack what Bridges need to succeed, framed as a double helix of intertwined skills:

• Internalizing the math objectives 
• Leadership and coaching capacity 

Key Takeaways:

• Why Bridges—school-level leaders—are essential to bringing math objectives to life
• How Bridges connect district goals with classroom practice through PLCs, walkthroughs, and coaching cycles
• The “double helix” of what Bridges need: deep math understanding and strong leadership skills
• A clear call to action: identify, support, and equip your Bridges today

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 

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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.