Empowering K-8 Math Teachers: Practices, Fluency, and Data-Driven Differentiation

How can cognitive science and brain-based learning strategies improve student understanding and retention in math? Are you interested in research-backed techniques that enhance mathematical thinking and problem-solving?

In this full-day session, you will explore how the brain processes mathematical concepts and how strategies like spaced learning, interleaving, and retrieval practice can significantly boost retention. Learn how to balance conceptual understanding with procedural fluency, foster a growth mindset, and design assessments that truly measure deep learning. Engage in hands-on exercises to implement cognitive science strategies in lesson design and assessment planning. Gain practical, evidence-based techniques that align with how students learn math best and leave with tools to immediately apply in your classroom.

Workshop Details:

• Date: November 19, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee: SIEC Member - $300/Non-member $420

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the embedded registration form below.

Presenter: Brian Scott

Dr. Brian Scott has been an educator for 40+ years in rural, urban, suburban, and private school settings.  After his “retirement” from administration in 2016, Brian has consulted and coached teachers primarily in elementary mathematics at the building and district levels in two very different public school districts as well as private and parochial schools. While in these positions, he supported data-driven instruction and created Tier II and III math intervention paths. It was also during this time that his book, Concept Based Instruction: Building Curriculum with Depth and Complexity, was published by Taylor and Francis in 2020. 

Brian was an intermediate grade level principal for 12 out of his 15 years in building administration. During his tenure, data-driven instruction using standardized and formative measures served as critical parts of the triangulation of data for flexible intervention and extension of students’ academic needs. In addition, he provided weekly opportunities for teacher-led Professional Learning Communities reviewing and responding to results on common assessments.  These are the primary reasons for Avon Intermediate School East’s Four-Star School designation by the Indiana Department of Education for many years, the most of any building in the district and with a more diversified population of students. 

He has consulted with schools and districts across Indiana, primarily on differentiated instruction as a school improvement initiative. He has contributed to the writing of several successfully awarded grants. He has also been a presenter at local, state, and national conferences from Hawaii to North Carolina on concept-based instruction and managing the differentiated classroom with contracts.

Dr. Scott was an elementary classroom teacher for 20 years, primarily in grades 4-6. Six of those years were as a high ability teacher in a variety of configurations including pull-out, multi-age, and cluster grouping. 

Brian earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne and graduate degrees from Ball State University.  His 2012 dissertation was titled, The Effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction in the Elementary Mathematics Classroom.