Embracing Word Problems in Math: Building Skills and Engagement for Lifelong Learning

More Than a Test

In today's episode, Nadia Madan Morrow joins us to share her insights on the grade-level text and tasks, urging educators to explore innovative methods, such as incorporating word problems into math lessons. Nadia, who has a strong coaching background and a wealth of experience in Denver Public Schools, emphasizes the need to scaffold and differentiate within classrooms, ensuring that no student is left behind.

She also reveals valuable strategies to facilitate effective communication, including paraphrasing and practicing deep breathing techniques to stay calm during difficult conversations. Nadia later opens up about her involvement in a major project with Denver Public Schools, where she played a crucial role in evaluating and holding schools accountable for meeting the requirements of a federal court order.

Timestamps

[00:00:51] Colorado's education system is impacted by various issues.

[00:04:56] Experience and connections aided multilingual learners.

[00:08:27] From teacher to coach to impacting kids.

[00:11:03] School work extends beyond academics, it impacts lives.

[00:14:46] An evaluation system created for a multilingual learner program.

[00:18:42] The ideal school with a bilingual program is finally available.

[00:28:20] Start with hard stuff, have a well-rounded education, motivate kids, and bring back fun learning.

[00:34:33] "I hear you, feel you, and understand."

Connect with Nadia Madan Morrow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiamadanmorrow/

Website: https://www.dpsk12.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD