Host and math professor Anna Stokke talks to Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden about a topic many Chalk & Talk listeners have asked about: universal screening in math. Amanda explains what universal screening is, why it matters, and how schools can use it to identify students who need extra support. They also discuss how to choose validated screeners, common mistakes to avoid, and how screening connects to effective intervention. This is a practical, informative episode for teachers, school leaders, and anyone looking to strengthen math instruction.
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:04:17] Overview of universal screening
[00:07:51] Universal screening in math vs reading
[00:11:36] How to find validated screening tools
[00:19:32] Should screeners match the curriculum?
[00:23:31] 145 math skills that forecast success and when to teach them
[00:29:24] The problem with making screeners too easy
[00:31:37] Is Acadience a good screening tool?
[00:32:43] Comparing reading and math screening systems
[00:37:09] Recap: What to look for in a good screener
[00:40:12] Frequency and timing of screening
[00:44:18] The growing importance of math screening
[00:48:45] Addressing teacher concerns with screening results
[00:52:31] Conclusion and final thoughts
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d
Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72
Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6
Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b
Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-50-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-50-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear: No Squirrel Commotion
Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Momentary Ease
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.