09/02/2026
"The internet went out. I didn't notice until lunch." — Harriet L.
BRAMBLETON MIDDLE SCHOOL — Researchers observing eighth grade math instruction here Tuesday recorded a full 52-minute lesson delivered by Mrs. Liverspool using one piece of chalk, a 2003 textbook, and no functioning network connection. The building's wifi had been down since 8:04 a.m., halting instruction in 21 of the school's 22 classrooms.
Observers noted she wrote nine problems on the board by hand, called on students by name without a randomizer, and monitored understanding by walking around and looking at their papers. Mrs. Liverspool, who has taught here since 1987, declined to describe her method, saying only that the problems do not change even when the router does.
The team has requested permission to return with equipment and has asked whether she can replicate the results on demand. She has agreed, on the condition that they bring their own chalk, as she is down to one piece and has been since the first day.
