About the Webinar:
The Next Stop on Florida’s Mathematics Journey: B.E.S.T. Mathematics Coaching
Presented by Mrs. Courtney Starling, Director, Office of Mathematics and Science, FDOE, and Mrs. Barbie Hartsfield, Director, Math Coaches, FDOE
This session guided educators through Florida’s ongoing journey to elevate mathematics instruction through the B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) standards. Mrs. Starling and Mrs. Hartsfield traced the development of the B.E.S.T. Mathematics initiative from its 2019 inception to the creation of statewide instructional guides, professional learning opportunities, and the introduction of the Florida Formula for Success—a framework designed to ensure benchmarks-aligned, high-quality instruction. The presenters emphasized intentional planning for learning, data-informed teaching, and the integration of student-centered approaches that balance direct instruction with inquiry and problem solving.
Attendees engaged in hands-on activities using the Formula for Success to reflect on the five key characteristics of high-quality instruction and explore strategies for implementation at their schools. The presenters also introduced the new statewide Mathematics Coaching Program, which will deploy regional coaches to provide personalized professional learning and classroom support. The session concluded with an overview of FDOE’s mathematics resources, including the Best Instructional Guide for Mathematics (Big M), its companion for interventions (Big ME), and new parent tools designed to strengthen home-school collaboration in math learning.
The Next Stop on Florida’s Mathematics Journey: B.E.S.T. Mathematics Coaching
Presenter:
- Mrs. Barbie Hartsfield, Director, Math Coaches, FDOE
- Mrs. Courtney Starling, Director, Office of Mathematics and Science, FDOE