A Night to Remember: Counted Out Documentary Screening
Honoring the Trailblazers of Mathematical Mindsets: A Celebration of Courage, Creativity, and Innovation
At High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), we believe in celebrating those who push the boundaries of learning and inspire future generations. We are thrilled to recognize the contributions of Kendra Coates, D.Ed., HDESD’s director of Mindset and Social & Emotional Learning (SEL/tSEL) and OSU-Cascades faculty member, for her instrumental role in bringing a special community screening of Counted Out, the latest documentary by Vicki Abeles, to OSU-Cascades and Central Oregon in February. Kendra’s dedication to fostering growth mindsets and social and emotional learning continues to elevate the field of education and empower learners of all ages.
The Counted Out Documentary screening event included special guests Dr. Jo Boaler, Stanford professor and world-renowned leader in mathematical mindsets and equitable mathematics, and Cathy Williams, executive director and co-founder of youcubed, a Stanford Graduate School of Education research center. Both of their groundbreaking work has reshaped the way we understand, teach and experience mathematics—not merely as a subject but as a dynamic, creative and deeply human endeavor. Their revolutionary approach empowers students and educators alike to see themselves as innovative mathematicians capable of exploring and shaping the world through numbers and patterns.
Abeles, acclaimed director of Race to Nowhere and Beyond Measure brings her storytelling gift to this powerful film, challenging outdated perceptions of math learning and advocates for equitable, engaging, and mindset-driven mathematical experiences for all students.
The event provided a unique opportunity for educators, students, and community members to come together, discuss key themes, and reflect on how we can collectively cultivate a more inclusive and empowering math culture.
Learning from the Next Generation
Earlier in the day, Jo Boaler and Kendra Coates joined OSU-Cascades faculty member Dr. Melinda Knapp and Kerry Morton, instructional coach and leader with Bend-La Pine SD, for a special visit to Pine Ridge Elementary. There, they had the honor of learning alongside young mathematicians and Stephanie Johnson, an inspiring educator recognized by the National Science Foundation for her outstanding contributions to STEM education.
Thank you, Stephanie Johnson, for sharing your passion, insights, and neuron connections with us! Your dedication to nurturing mathematical curiosity and confidence is shaping the future in profound ways.
Deep Gratitude and Looking Ahead
A heartfelt thank you to Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams for their unwavering commitment to fostering connection, curiosity, and collective growth in mathematics education. Their work continues to spark meaningful conversations, drive impactful change, and remind us all of our unlimited potential as learners and educators.
As we continue to spiral UP, we are excited to share that Jo Boaler will return to Oregon in August to keynote the Oregon Math Leaders 2025 (OML) Conference. Be sure to mark your calendars—this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Together, let’s keep embracing the joy of mathematics and the limitless possibilities it holds for every learner.