Struggling to make math instruction click across your school? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, Mona introduces her SHAPE framework, a 5-part, research-backed approach to building school-wide math success that goes beyond the curriculum and focuses on empowering both students and teachers.
👋 Why I Created the SHAPE Framework for School-Wide Math Success
In this heartfelt opening, Mona shares a behind-the-scenes look at her early frustrations as an educator—doing everything “right” with math curriculum and still not seeing deep learning take root. That experience, along with building a math community at a school she supported, inspired the creation of the SHAPE framework: a holistic, school-wide math strategy that fosters lasting change.
🚧 The Problem Schools Are Facing with Math Instruction
Many schools have adopted math curriculum and delivered professional development—but test scores, engagement, and deep reasoning still fall short. Mona unpacks the challenges she hears most often from educators and leaders, including inconsistent implementation, lack of follow-through after PD, and the pressure to perform without the tools to do it.
🔑 What Is the SHAPE Framework?
Mona introduces the SHAPE framework—five foundational elements that support a school-wide math transformation. From shifting teacher mindsets to sustainable leadership development, each step is designed to strengthen instruction, collaboration, and student outcomes. This section is packed with actionable insights, including her proven Word Problem Workshop routine.
🧩 Breaking Down the SHAPE Framework
Let’s dive deeper:
- S – See What’s Possible: Through modeling and co-teaching, teachers experience effective math instruction in real classrooms.
- H – Hone Core Strategies: Using the existing math curriculum as a foundation, teachers deepen instruction with coaching support.
- A – Amplify Pedagogy: Mona introduces problem-based routines, rich tasks, and classroom discussion strategies.
- P – Plan & Assess with Intention: Backward design, equitable grading, and student goal-setting bring clarity and purpose.
- E – Elevate & Sustain Teacher Leadership: Build internal capacity with coaching, new teacher support, and aligned PD planning.
✅ Why It Works: SHAPE in Action
Success in math doesn’t come from a one-time PD—it comes from shared vision, sustained effort, and targeted support. Mona shares powerful outcomes from schools that implemented the SHAPE framework, including improved math confidence, deeper reasoning, and yes—stronger test performance. When everyone is focused and aligned, growth follows.
📍How Schools Can Get Started with the SHAPE School-Wide Math Approach
Not sure where to begin? Mona outlines simple entry points into the SHAPE process, from one-day workshops to full-year coaching partnerships. Each plan is personalized to your school’s needs—because every math journey is different.
🎧 Ready to Shape School-Wide Math Success?
This episode offers a powerful starting point for any school ready to rethink math success. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or administrator, Mona’s SHAPE framework will help your school build confidence, consistency, and student-centered instruction that lasts.
🎙️ Listen now to hear the full episode, and learn how SHAPE can transform your school’s approach to math.
➡️ Subscribe to Math Chat with Mona wherever you listen to podcasts.
🌟 Loved the episode? Leave a review and help other educators find actionable strategies for math success.
📧 Want support? Head to monamath.com/services to explore PD, coaching, and school-wide partnerships.
🎉 Don’t miss next week’s episode where Mona shares a full case study from a school that implemented SHAPE with incredible results.
