Episode 5.13: More Conversación con Rafael and Latvian Independence Day

More Math for More People

Start with a name and you get a story. We kick off with Latvian Independence Day and our colleague, Astrida Lizins, whose Latvian name, family roots, and community traditions open a window into how culture survives and thrives far from home. From Saturday language schools and summer camps to folk dance sets and dense rye bread, we explore how rituals and food build belonging—and why that matters when we think about classrooms.
That bridge takes us to timely news from California’s curriculum adoption (CPM is on the list!) and a bigger conversation about high-quality instructional materials with our executive director, Rafael del Castillo. We compare research-based claims with evidence gathered by real teachers, and we unpack a clever “shopping guide” from a recent NCTM conference: Are frameworks empowering educators to ask better questions, or inviting polished talking points that dodge substance? Our take centers teacher voice and professional judgment while acknowledging the real pressures on time, attention, and support.
Assessment and technology become the crucible where values show up. We wrestle with efficiency versus understanding, the limits of Scantron-era shortcuts, and where modern AI can help without hollowing out the work. Instead of outsourcing thinking, we propose smarter feedback loops, more student self-assessment, and classroom routines that make space for curiosity. Along the way, we reframe “grade level,” embrace heterogeneous classes as the norm, and borrow early childhood wisdom: arrive with wonder, meet the learner in front of you, and build the dance together.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking back to your classroom. Your voice helps more educators find the ideas that move their teaching forward.

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The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
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บท

1. Latvian Independence Day Guest (00:00:00)

2. Names, Language, And Identity (00:03:20)

3. Community Traditions And Schools (00:06:40)

4. Folk Dance, Festivals, And Travel (00:10:30)

5. What To See And Eat In Latvia (00:14:15)

6. Plans, Peirogi-Like Buns, And Rye (00:19:30)

7. Sesame Street And Kids’ Media (00:22:45)

8. California Adoption And HQIM (00:25:30)

9. Teacher Voice Over Marketing (00:29:10)

10. Scaffolds, Scripts, And Authenticity (00:33:40)

11. Efficiency, Assessment, And AI (00:37:20)