Published: June 27, 2025
In classrooms across the country, educators are working tirelessly to deliver meaningful math instruction. Administrators are juggling staffing shortages, budgets, initiatives, and outcomes, all while trying to support educators and raise achievement.
The High Leverage Concepts (HLCs) from All Learners Network give us something incredibly powerful: focus, clarity, and a starting point for equity-centered instruction. But let’s be honest—
HLCs alone are not enough.
They’re the spark—but the fire? That comes from real partnership.
What HLCs Offer—And What They Don’t
HLCs do something brilliant: they simplify and provide a clear focus. One high-impact concept per grade level gives teachers and students a clear target that aligns with research and the Common Core State Standards. One concept per grade level is not the entirety of the grade level math that students should have experiences with; the HLCs are the concepts that we want all students to acquire so they are well equipped to be successful in the next grade level. HLCs are not meant to take the place of a comprehensive curriculum; they put a spotlight on high leverage concepts that all students should build during their educational journey.The HLCs cut through the noise and help build a strong foundation of math understanding, one concept at a time.
But HLCs aren’t a silver bullet. They don’t:
- Build confidence in a first-year teacher unsure how to differentiate.
- Shift beliefs in a system that labels some kids “not math people.”
- Create time for co-planning, reflection, or coaching.
- Ensure alignment across classrooms and grade levels.
That is the work All Learners Network focuses on in our embedded professional development and coaching.
Partnership Is What Moves the Needle
Real math improvement happens when educators, school leaders, special educators, interventionists, and coaches work together. It’s when we:
- Take the time to co-plan and reflect.
- Use data not to judge, but to guide.
- Support each other when things get hard.
- Celebrate small wins and keep going.
In short, it happens when we commit to being in it together.
When a district says, “We’re going to prioritize math in a sustainable way,” and invests in coaching, professional development, and leadership coaching time—that’s partnership.
When a teacher says, “I’m willing to try something new, but I need support,” and someone shows up to model, listen, and cheer them on—that’s partnership.
When we hold fast to the belief that all kids can learn math, and we back that belief with systems, resources, and heart—that’s partnership.
The Most Transformative Work We See Is Shared Work
At All Learners Network, we’ve watched schools dramatically shift outcomes—not just because of the HLCs, but because they built a shared vision and a supportive structure around them.
We’ve seen:
- Principals rolling up their sleeves to learn alongside teachers.
- District leaders weaving HLCs into every conversation, from data meetings to curriculum maps.
- Educators building collective efficacy, knowing they don’t have to do it all alone.
The most meaningful changes are never the result of one program or one person. They are the result of many people working in alignment, toward a common goal, with the tools and trust to get there.
An Invitation: Let’s Build It Together
So if you’ve started using HLCs—amazing. You’re already focused on what matters most.
But let this be your encouragement to take the next step:
- Don’t go it alone.
- Invite others into the work.
- Ask for help.
- Offer it in return.
Math improvement isn’t just about concepts. It’s about connection and continued work.
And when schools commit to working with their educators, not just for them, the impact is not only more powerful—it’s lasting.
At All Learners Network, we don’t just hand you tools—we walk with you. Whether through coaching, professional development, collaborative planning, or just-in-time support from our AI Math Coach, we’re here to help your team turn focus into action and action into outcomes.
Because every teacher deserves to feel confident. Every leader deserves to feel supported. And every student deserves a math classroom where they can thrive. Together, we can make that happen.
What Now?
1. Explore the High Leverage Concepts (HLCs) here, and sign up for an All Learners Online Unlimited membership to get access to the HLC Progressions and the HLC Assessments.
2. Learn more about our brand-new AI Math Coach that will be included in every All Learners Online Unlimited membership for 2025-2026.
3. Bring All Learners Network (ALN) into your school or district for embedded professional development.
All Learners Network is committed to supporting pedagogy so that all students can access quality math instruction. We do this through our online platform, free resources, events, and embedded professional development. Learn more about how we work with schools and districts here.
