Why Systemic Change in Math Fails Without the Right Bridges in Place

What does it look like to build Bridges in real time?

In this episode, we highlight the story of a district leader who knows she can’t do the work of math improvement alone. She identified her Bridges—instructional mentors and department chairs—and committed to building their capacity in two intertwined ways:

1. Deeply internalizing the district’s math objective around discourse 
2. Equipping Bridges as instructional leaders 

We break down the specific moves that were made to build this capacity, including modeling math discourse strategies, using monitoring tools for growth, and creating space for Bridges to practice facilitation. We also share how she is defining success for this school year—and why her compound approach matters.

By building up her Bridges, she ensures the work reaches classrooms consistently. She knows she’s only one person, but by positioning these leaders strategically, she multiplies her impact across the system.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Bridges are essential to scaling math improvement
• Two strands of capacity building: deep math understanding and leadership practice
• Specific strategies for equipping Bridges to lead at the school level
• How monitoring tools and facilitation practice help Bridges grow into instructional leaders
• Why a compound approach (building others to build capacity) creates sustainable change

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.