How One School Used the Stages of Implementation to Drive Real Change

You’ve got a strong teacher, strong strategies—and still, the innovation stalls. What gives? In this episode, we tackle what’s really behind resistance in math PD and why most implementation efforts collapse long before proficiency is even possible.

Building on our last episode, we unpack how a school we support used the five implementation stages—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—to move real teacher practice forward in mathematics. 

You’ll hear how assumptions like “math teachers just need to buy in” or “they’re too comfortable” miss the point—and how shifting the conversation back to student outcomes changed everything.

Listen in to learn:

• What each of the five stages of implementation looks like in real math classrooms
• Why most resistance towards math PD is rooted in fear, fatigue, or flawed systems—not mindset
• How to use department meetings and peer examples to build momentum in mathematics
• Why focusing on student growth—not compliance—creates authentic engagement in math class
• What math leaders can do to provide the right support at the right stage

Hit play to explore how real school teams are flipping the script on math improvement implementation—and how you can do the same by putting students, not strategies, at the center of your plan.

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.