Description

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello takes inspiration from Batman’s legendary utility belt to explore the essential tools educators need to create equitable and effective math instruction. Ron shares seven powerful resources—including research-based frameworks, AI-powered tools, and advocacy guides—that help break down barriers and ensure all students have access to grade-level math. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or district administrator, this episode provides valuable insights on how to strengthen your instructional approach and empower students to reach their full potential.

Join the conversation on social media and share what’s in your utility belt!

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Transcript

Introduction

Welcome to Math Universally Speaking, where we explore how math can break down barriers, unlock potential, and empower every student to thrive. I’m Ron Martiello, and I’m so glad you’re tuning into Episode 2. Before we dive in, I want thank all of you who have followed this podcast so far and to invite you to join the Math Universally Speaking Facebook page—a space where we can continue the conversation, share ideas, and build a community of educators committed to equitable math instruction.

You know, my My family and friends can tell you I spent hours of time reading tons of comics and watching superhero TV shows, and drawing these iconic figures creating my own stories. Batman was one of my favorites. It wasn’t the car or that iconic cape—what stood out to me was his utility belt, packed with just the right tools for every challenge. There was even an episode where Batman escaped danger with shark deterrent spray. That’s right—shark deterrent spray. Go figure…A guy in a giant bat suit getting attacked by a shark. Talk about variability. Batman was ready for anything.

As educators, we need our own utility belts—resources we can count on to tackle the everyday challenges of teaching math and supporting every student. Today, I’m sharing what’s in my utility belt—the seven tools I rely on to design equitable math experiences and empower students to reach high expectations.

Before we get started: The following resources are all equally significant and can be impactful for students, educators, and administrators alike. Their use should be determined based on the context of the task at hand, and combinations of resources may also provide deeper understanding of Math Universally Speaking.

Number 1
The first tool in my belt is the Coherence Map from Student Achievement Partners, found at AchieveTheCore.org. This resource is like a GPS for math instruction. It shows how each Common Core standard connects across grade levels—what students learned before, what they’re learning now, and where they’re headed next. If I need to figure out how to build on what students already know or where their learning is going, the coherence map is my first stop. It’s a daily go-to.

Number 2

Next is the UDL Framework from CAST—Universal Design for Learning. The UDL framework helps me design instruction that removes barriers and makes learning accessible to all students. It’s built around three key principles—engagement, representation, and action/expression. What I love about this tool is how interactive it is. I can click on guidelines and considerations to find strategies and examples, including some that are specific to math. With UDL, I’m not just thinking about what I’m teaching but how I’m making sure every student can access their learning, be supported as they build their capacity, and exercise their student agency.

Number 3

Another essential tool is Continuing the Journey of Mathematics Learning: 2021 and Beyond, a powerful resource developed collaboratively by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education, and the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM). This document serves as a compass for school and district leaders to set a vision for mathematics instruction and establish a mission to achieve it. It provides a large number of resources to support three big ideas—access to on-grade-level content, equitable and effective teaching practices, and advocacy for high-quality math instruction for all. The document encourages just-in-time learning, which creates on-ramps to grade-level content instead of holding students back with endless remediation. It reinforces that the best way to accelerate learning is by giving students access to what they need now for new learning, rather than focusing on what they may have missed. If you are a school or district leader in need of setting a direction for your stakeholders, this is your compass to move your school forward.

Number 4

Then there are the Focus By Grade-Level documents, another great resource from Student Achievement Partners. These maps break down the major work of each grade level, helping us to approach standards in relationship to the major work of the grade level. Some strands of standards have closer connections to the major work of the grade level while others play more additional and supportive roles. Whether I’m planning a unit or making daily instructional decisions, the Focus Documents help me stay focused on what matters most.

Number 5

When it comes to advocacy and best practices, I reach for NCTM Position Statements. These statements tackle some of the biggest questions in math education, including topics like their position on procedural fluency or even the use of calculators. They’re backed by research and give us the language to advocate for high-quality, inclusive math instruction. One of my favorites is the position paper on teaching students with disabilities—especially because it highlights Universal Design for Learning in unit and lesson planning.

Number 6

A newer tool in my utility belt is Ludia, an AI-powered chatbot available on Poe.com, created by UDL consultants Beth Stark and Jérémie Rostan. Ludia helps educators design inclusive learning experiences by proactively identifying barriers to student success. I use Ludia AI to enter educational standards, and it generates a list of considerations based on the UDL framework. It helps me plan goals for students and even creates schedules to help learners reach those goals just in time for new learning. This tool blends technology and UDL principles, making it a powerful ally in creating accessible and equitable math instruction.

Number 7

And finally, the seventh tool in my belt—Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design, the book I co-authored with Dr. Jenna Rufo from empowerEd. This book is all about breaking down the myths that hold students back and showing how UDL can make math instruction more inclusive, engaging, and equitable. If you’re looking for practical strategies to support all learners, this book is written with you in mind. It’s a resource I’m incredibly proud of, and I hope it becomes a tool in your utility belt too.

Conclusion

So there you have it—my utility belt for creating equitable, high-quality math instruction. These tools help me navigate challenges, break down barriers, and keep students on the path to grade-level achievement. You can find links to all these resources in the show notes. 

Batman might have his grappling hook and shark deterrent spray—but as educators, our power can come from the tools we choose and how we use them.

If you’ve got a favorite tool in your own utility belt, I’d love to hear about it. Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or LinkedIn —I’d love to learn what’s helping you make math universally accessible.

Until next time, keep fighting for opportunity, keep unlocking potential—and remember, math can be everyone’s superpower.

Don’t forget to follow us on Spotify and thanks for tuning in to Math Universally Speaking. Take care!