Learning Unboxed

290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny

What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones. We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorization Using visual models to reduce cognitive load Constructing new fact knowledge from mastered facts Progress monitoring and impartial data collection Building student agency, confidence, and joy in math Resources: MathFactLab "Fluency Without Fear" by Jo Boaler (YouCubed)

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289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side. Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere. Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it. Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies. New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts. Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals. Resources: Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons. College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit. Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA