Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill (Ep 33)

Host Anna Stokke speaks with Scott Hill, Superintendent of Evergreen School Division. They discuss Evergreen's proactive approach to improving education, particularly focusing on mathematics and literacy. Scott shares how his division tackled low math scores by interviewing students, addressing behaviour issues, employing structured instructional methods, and providing consistent common assessments.

They also touch on broader pedagogical narratives, the role of schools in society, and the importance of setting higher expectations for students. Additionally, Scott highlights the critical strides made in early literacy instruction, with Evergreen School Division being recognized with a national award from Dyslexia Canada. A key takeaway from this episode is that strong leadership, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to addressing weaknesses can significantly impact student learning.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:03:39] Evergreen School Division's math challenges and student feedback

[00:08:43] Grade inflation and reporting to parents

[00:11:24] Divisional changes to improve math scores

[00:14:42] Higher expectations for students

[00:20:05] The role of schools in society

[00:26:02] Is inquiry-based pedagogy accomplishing the stated goals?

[00:30:45] Instructional caricatures and foundational skills

[00:37:09] Setting behavioural standards

[00:40:02] Cell phones in schools

[00:46:01] Common assessments and provincial exams

[00:56:30] Award-winning literacy initiatives

[01:01:08] Final thoughts

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 1 Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-22c7a-139dc72

Ep 18 Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080

Ep 20 Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac

Ep 30 Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-33-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-33-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions – Cornicob Podington Bear – Camp

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c