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Anchin Center Strengthens K-12 Mathematics Instruction Across Tampa Bay

Led by principal investigator, Dr. Sarah Trench, two Gates Foundation-funded partnerships supported teacher learning and systemwide mathematics improvement during spring 2026.

teachers in a pd

During spring 2026, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching and the USF College of Education expanded their work to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning across the Tampa Bay region. Led by Dr. Sarah Trench, principal investigator for both projects, USF faculty and Anchin Center staff collaborated with educators and leaders from the School District of Manatee County and Hillsborough County Public Schools on two initiatives tailored to each district’s goals.

School District of Manatee County: Strengthening K-4 Mathematics Intervention

Under Dr. Trench’s leadership, the Anchin Center partnered with School District of Manatee County leaders and practicing teachers to provide professional learning focused on effective mathematics intervention in kindergarten through fourth grade.

teachers working at the board together

Participants explored and applied a three-pillar framework for supporting students who need additional mathematics instruction:

  • Manipulatives with meaning: Using concrete tools purposefully to develop conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency
  • Formative assessment: Gathering ongoing, actionable evidence of student thinking to guide instructional decisions
  • Student talk: Creating learning environments in which students explain, discuss and refine their mathematical reasoning

Grounded in these three pillars, the professional learning equipped teachers with practical, research-informed strategies for responding to students’ needs during a critical period for developing number sense, mathematical confidence and a strong foundation for future learning.

Hillsborough County Public Schools: Developing a Coherent K-12 Mathematics Vision

Dr. Trench also led the Anchin Center’s collaboration with mathematics supervisors and coaches from Hillsborough County Public Schools. This systems-level initiative was designed to strengthen instructional coherence from kindergarten through 12th grade.

teachers working on standards alignment

The work focused on several interconnected priorities:

  • Building a vertical understanding of number lines: Examining how students’ understanding and use of number lines develop across grade levels, from early elementary school through high school
  • Establishing a shared vision for K-12 mathematics: Developing a unified instructional philosophy to promote consistency and coherence across schools and grade bands
  • Connecting instructional practice with the MTRs: Aligning the district’s instructional model with Florida’s Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning Standards
  • Guiding instructional materials adoption: Using the shared K–12 mathematics vision to inform future curriculum and resource decisions

By working directly with district mathematics leaders, the initiative helped build lasting instructional capacity. Coaches and supervisors can carry this coherent, vision-driven approach forward as they support teachers throughout the district.

Looking Ahead

three teachers smiling

Together, these projects demonstrate how faculty leadership, research expertise and strong district partnerships can translate grant-funded resources into practical and sustainable support for schools. Although each initiative addressed a different level of the educational system, both centered on a common goal: strengthening mathematics instruction so students can develop deep understanding, confidence and success.

Dr. Trench’s leadership as principal investigator was central to aligning the work with district priorities, connecting research with practice and developing approaches designed for long-term impact. As both districts continue implementing this work, the Anchin Center and USF College of Education remain committed partners in strengthening mathematics teaching and learning from kindergarten through graduation.

These projects were supported by Gates Foundation grant funding and led by principal investigator Dr. Sarah Trench in partnership with the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the USF College of Education, the School District of Manatee County and Hillsborough County Public Schools.