In today's episode, Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines have a conversation with Sarah Powell. Sarah Powell is a Professor in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin and Associate Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. Her research, teaching, and service focus on mathematics, particularly for students who experience mathematics differently.

Powell discussed practical tips for teaching mathematics to students with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of understanding students' foundational math skills and using research-validated practices like vocabulary development and mathematical representations. Powell highlighted the need for extensive practice, suggesting that students who struggle with math may require 10 to 30 times more practice opportunities than typical students. She also mentioned the potential of AI in enhancing math education but stressed the importance of conceptual understanding. Powell concluded by reassuring new teachers that anyone can be an effective math teacher with the right knowledge and strategies.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Powell’s bio: https://education.utexas.edu/faculty/sarah_powell/

Here's a free word-problem intervention developed by Powell and colleagues: https://www.piratemathequationquest.com/

Here is a website with many great free and downloadable math resources: https://mathspiral.com/

Powell’s Recent Publications:

Rojo, M., Gersib, J. A., Powell, S. R., Shen, Z., King, S. G., Akther, S. S., Arsenault, T. L., Bos, S. E., Lariviere, D. O. & Lin, X. (2024). A meta-analysis of mathematics interventions: Examining the impacts of intervention characteristics. Educational Psychology Review, 36(9). doi:10.1007/s10648-023-09843-0.

Powell, S. R., Moore, C. E., Vander Tuin, M., Fall, A.-M. & Roberts, G. (2024). Investigation of the initial feasibility of extended mathematics read-alouds used by kindergarten teachers. Frontiers in Education, 9(1379491). doi:10.3389/feduc.2024.1379491.

Lin, X. & Powell, S. R. (2024). Development of a fraction vocabulary measure. Assessment for Effective Intervention, 49(3), 138–147. doi:10.1177/15345084231202407.

Lariviere, D. O., Powell, S. R. & Akther, S. R. (2024). A synthesis of pre-algebraic reasoning interventions for students with mathematics difficulty in grade 6 through 8. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 39(1), 4–17. doi:10.1177/09388982231222179.

Summary:

In this episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines are joined by Dr. Maggie Mosher, an assistant research professor at the Achievement and Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mosher specializes in using evidence-based practices and innovative technologies to improve academic, social, emotional, and behavioral instruction for students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. The discussion covers various topics, including building relationships with students and families, setting goals, progress monitoring, and leveraging technology in education.

Resources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maggie-Mosher

https://shorturl.at/klGOW

https://voissadvisor.org/

https://www.projectvoiss.org/

Highlights:
- Building Relationships: Dr. Mosher emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students and families as a foundation for effective teaching and learning. She highlights the significance of getting to know students individually, understanding their goals, and collaborating with families to support students' academic and personal growth.
-Personalized Instruction: The discussion underscores the importance of personalized instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. Dr. Mosher advocates for individualized goal-setting and progress monitoring to ensure that instruction is meaningful and effective for every learner.
- Practical Strategies: Practical strategies for teachers include minimizing teacher talk time, using graphic organizers, and making connections between learning objectives and real-world applications. These strategies help engage students, enhance understanding, and foster a positive learning environment.
- Technology Integration: Dr. Mosher shares insights into the transformative role of technology in education, particularly tools like PDF readers and note-taking apps. These tools enable students to access information more effectively and manage tasks efficiently, thereby enhancing accessibility and productivity in the learning process.

Summary:
In this episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome special guest Dave Stewart Jr., a veteran high school teacher with nearly two decades of experience teaching English and history and his journey with AI. Dave also writes articles and books to support fellow educators in their classroom practices. The conversation delves into integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into the classroom environment. Dave shares his initial apprehensions about the impact of AI on teaching but highlights the practical applications he's discovered, such as using ChatGPT for brainstorming sessions and debates. Despite concerns about students potentially relying too heavily on AI for their work, Dave emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the central purpose of education: fostering critical thinking and independent learning.

Resources:
Dave Stuart Website: https://davestuartjr.com/about/

Highlights:
- Exploring AI in Education: Dave Stewart Jr., an experienced high school teacher, joins hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Heinz to discuss the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in the classroom.
- Practical Applications: Dave shares how he uses ChatGPT for brainstorming sessions and debates, dispelling concerns about over-reliance on AI and emphasizing its supplementary role in teaching.
- Teacher as Coach: The conversation highlights the role of teachers as coaches in guiding students' learning journeys and fostering intrinsic motivation.
- Cultivating Key Beliefs: Dave outlines five key beliefs educators should cultivate in students to promote meaningful learning experiences.