Bobby Barber

Revisiting the Legacy of San Francisco’s Detracking Experiment

San Francisco’s failed experiment to eliminate tracking of math students casts a long shadow over efforts for equity in math teaching. What does it ...

The 5 Percent Problem

Online mathematics programs may benefit most the kids who need it least

This Teaching Routine Takes Just 5 Minutes. Its Impact Lasts Much Longer

It's no gimmick. Greeting students individually at the classroom door has been linked to benefits for both teachers and students.

5 traits of a ‘Gold Medal Mindset’

Poor students perform worse on math questions about money and food, study shows

Math test questions involving real-life contexts such as money, food, and social interactions disproportionately hinder the performance of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds compared to...

A District Is Making a Huge Bet on One Math Curriculum to Improve Achievement

The nation's largest school district has launched a new initiative to address students’ gaps in math proficiency.

How spaced learning solves a key math problem

Having students continually practice recently learned math skills while trying new skills makes learning easier, Sara Delano Moore writes.

Taking curriculum implementation seriously

I’ve made no secret of my fervent belief that curriculum is the overlooked lever in education reform. Replacing the slapdash, incoherent, and under-nourishing mélange of materials to which the...

Stop Saying 'These Kids Don't Care About School’ (Opinion)

This damaging myth creates a barrier between educators and students and fails to address the root causes of student disengagement.

Eliminating advanced math 'tracks' often prompts outrage. Some districts buck the trend 

Districts that try to ‘detrack’ — or stop sorting students by perceived ability — often face parental pushback. But a handful of districts show it can be done

The “case for curriculum” is about reducing teachers’ workload

Last weekend, I gave a talk at the U.S.

Are Students’ Math Futures Being Unwittingly Set By Tracking?

Schools Prioritize Reading Intervention. But What About Math?

Early intervention can have large positive effects for students down the line, researchers say.

SF brings back 8th-grade algebra, admits 'equity math' failed

Algebra will return to San Francisco middle schools, reports Jill Tucker in the San Francisco Chronicle. The school board's vote Tuesday night pre-empted a pro-algebra measure on the March 15 ballot....

Let's Get Real About New Jersey's Teacher Shortage - NJ Education Report

Our current student:teacher ratio is unsustainable unless Jack comes down the beanstalk with a golden goose.