First Weeks of School: Begin with a Conversation, Not a Test

Published: August 29, 2025

We’ve all been there-standing at our classroom door on the first day of school, watching our new group of learners walk in. And every August we are faced with the same questions and challenges: Who are these learners, really?  What mathematical understandings do they have? How can I build on what they already know?

The majority of teachers have access to prior year’s data and test scores. They can make assumptions based on that data and dive right into the planned curriculum. But is that what’s best for their learners? 

All Learners Network (ALN) has a better way to help design the first weeks of math instruction that captures and honors students’ current level of understanding. 

Early Insights For Focused Instruction

Understanding our students’ current knowledge, skills, and learning needs is key to effective math instruction, and involves assessing their students' prior knowledge and identifying any misconceptions they may have. This foundational step is crucial because it allows the teacher to meet each student where they are, rather than assuming a uniform starting point.

Our High Leverage Concept Interviews (HLCIs) are a new complement to our existing formative assessment tools, and are designed to provide a deep, early understanding of each student's specific needs, helping you create a focused instructional plan right from the start. The HLCIs  can support your efforts in identifying the strengths and unfinished learning of our incoming  students around 1st - 5th grade priority concepts for success in the coming year. 

Aligned to Key Concepts To Provide a Clear Instructional Trajectory

Our High Leverage Concept Interviews (HLCIs) are aligned to ALN’s High Leverage Concepts (HLCs), the one or two most essential gateway mathematical concepts at each grade level that build a strong, foundational trajectory toward long-term mathematical success in Algebra. The HLCIs are aligned with the previous grade's High Leverage Concept Progression and intended to illuminate a learner's High Leverage Concept-related number sense strengths and potential starting points for addressing any unfinished learning.

A Conversation, Not a Test

ALN knows that teachers have a variety of ways they could collect student evidence. We also know that student interviews are one of the best ways to gather formative assessment around students' conceptual knowledge in math because they provide a deep, qualitative insight into a student's thinking that traditional written tests can't. While a test might show if a student gets the right answer, an interview reveals the reasoning behind that answer. It helps teachers uncover misconceptions, understand a student's problem-solving process, and identify the specific strategies they're using.

Math isn't just about the final answer; it's about the steps taken to get there. During an interview, a teacher can observe a student's thought process, the connections they make (or struggle to make), and their verbal explanations. This provides a clear picture of their cognitive journey.

Formative Asset-Based Assessment

The HLCIs are not intended to be scored or corrected for right and wrong answers. They are intended to provide teachers with a student or students’ current level of understanding around key concepts. When it comes to understanding student thinking, we learn so much about students’ thinking by watching them work, watching them solve problems, and listening to them explain their thinking and reasoning. The HLCIs provide that opportunity. 

The High Leverage Concept Interviews In Action

The HLCIs are a perfect tool to use at the beginning of the school year. They  are meant to be administered in a 1-to-1 setting with individual students, particularly with those students who are fragile with mathematical concepts. 

After collecting observations during the interview we recommend analyzing student responses to determine where students’ current level of understanding lays along the High Leverage Concept Progressions, providing a starting point for designing instruction. Educators with access to our AI Math Coach within All Learners Online can input their observations into the AI Math Coach to help design next instructional steps in line with the HLCs as well.

Differentiating Instruction Makes Math Relevant and Accessible for All Learners

This informed evidence allows the teacher to differentiate instruction effectively from the very beginning. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they can tailor their lessons to provide appropriate support for struggling students and offer more challenging material for those who are ready for it. This initial planning step ensures that math instruction is relevant and accessible to every student in the classroom, setting the stage for more equitable and effective learning.  

Building Confidence and Connections

Your classroom door will soon open to reveal this year's group of mathematical thinkers. Each student brings a unique constellation of understanding, curiosity, and potential. The question isn't whether your students are ready for grade-level math – it's whether you're ready to discover the rich mathematical thinking they already possess.

The High Leverage Concept Interviews aren't just an assessment tool – they're an invitation to see your students through a new lens. They're your opportunity to move beyond assumptions and data points to truly understand the remarkable young mathematicians in your care.

This year, instead of wondering who your students are as mathematical learners, you can discover who they are. Instead of guessing at their needs, you can understand their strengths and starting points. Instead of hoping your instruction will work for everyone, you can design learning experiences that honor each child's mathematical journey.

Your students' mathematical stories are waiting to be heard. The HLC Interviews give you the key to unlock them.

Ready to discover the mathematical thinkers behind those eager faces? Your journey starts with a simple conversation – one student, one interview, one revelation at a time.

What’s Next?

To learn more about All Learners Network’s comprehensive set of High Leverage Concept Interviews check out these additional resources:

1. Already an ALO user? Dive deeper into the HLC Interviews!
2. Not an ALO user? Subscribe today to get over 2,000 resources AND the AI Math Coach to use in your classroom and for your instruction planning.
3. Interested in incorporating HLCIs into your school or district curriculum? Connect with us to learn more about how ALN can support your educators this year!