Mathematics

Take advantage of SDCOE's professional learning opportunities to grow as a mathematics leader or educator.

When we leverage play in the context of patterns, shapes and numbers, we can create an environment that allows us to experience the joy and beauty of mathematics in a safe space, trying out new ideas without risk.  Math play can be structured (a game with specific rules) or unstructured (using shape tiles to create something), and, when designed thoughtfully, it can leave behind mathematical residue that can be drawn upon indefinitely. When we create the opportunity for students to play math, we open the door to endless possibilities, uncovering the mathematical connections that exist all around us.

Visit the Play Math! page

Learn more about the Play Math! card deck, who the authors are, and what the themes are all about or join us at an upcoming event to experience it yourself! Check out the Lending Library to download a complete card deck.

 

Updated Events for 2022-2023 to be posted Soon.

 

Rethinking mathematics instruction to honor student thinking and dismantle oppressive systems is the work of forward thinking educators and organizations. Educators need tools and next steps to interrupt the inequities of traditional mathematics instruction. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines can be used as a practical support for each and every student to access grade level mathematics standards. Focusing on the student, honoring the fountains of knowledge they bring, and using UDL as a foundation for shifting mathematics instruction, will prepare our students for the present and future world, in which problem solving and collaboration are the measures of success.

In our UDL professional learning, participants will:

• Broaden their definition of mathematics to encourage productive belief systems.
• Articulate how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a response to the myth of average and a resource to plan for the expected variability of learners of mathematics.
• Identify connections between the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in order to create a learning environment of productive struggle for all.
• Be prepared to lead a first step of implementation of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines to support all students in engaging and demonstrating learning in mathematics.

We have designed asynchronous modules that can be embedded into your professional learning structures, and can provide further customization to each school or district, including in-person and synchronous virtual learning opportunities.

Contact Mark Alcorn for additional information.

Using Mathematical Routines that Honor and Develop Expert Learners

The SDCOE Math Team is available to support you in your math materials review, pilot and adoption.  The process begins by articulating the current state of math teaching and learning in your LEA, a vision for math teaching and learning for the future, and then identifying particular needs in materials to support moving from the current state towards the vision.

Guidance for Math Materials Adoption

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to general Instructional Materials FAQs from CDE, or check out our curated Math Materials FAQs below:

• What books are on the recommended list from the state? 

• What books do you recommend (to adopt or pilot)?

• How does SDCOE support us through an adoption process?

• How can we look at books?

• What programs are other districts using?

• Which program gets the best test scores?

• Which program has the best EL support?

• Which program do teachers like?

• Which programs come with an intervention program?

• Which program has the best technology options (can be used with specific devices…)?

• What open resources are there?

• When will there be a new list of materials (for the new math framework)?

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

What books are on the recommended list from the state? 

The list of approved mathematics curriculum for K-8 is available here. As of 2013, EC Section 60210 was added via AB 1246 (Brownley). It states the following: "(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a local educational agency may use instructional materials that are aligned with the academic content standards adopted pursuant to Section 60605 or 60605.8, including instructional materials that have not been adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 60200.” This means that LEAs can adopt materials not on the approved list. There is no complete listing of all mathematics materials, but EdReports does provide an extensive list of mathematics materials.

What books do you recommend (to adopt or pilot)?

It is impossible from our position to fully assess and recommend materials because of the uniqueness of each LEA, and the needs of the teachers, students and families. Each program has strengths and shortcomings. It is important to match these to the strengths and needs of your LEA at the specific time you are looking to purchase new materials. We believe that local teams hold the expertise needed to make these decisions, and we are available to support you on your journey. 

How does SDCOE support us through an adoption process?

We can customize our support to your needs during an adoption process. We’ve developed a tool to help guide you through important steps in the process, which you can access here. As you consider the process, please reach out to us for additional support. 

Mark Alcorn, for K-5 support

Audrey Mendivil, for 6-8 support

Mindy Shacklett, for 9-12 support

How can we look at books?

SDCOE operates the Learning Resource Display Center (LRDC) in Linda Vista which houses instructional materials available for viewing. You can make an appointment to view materials. We highly recommend that you ask in advance if there are particular programs you wish to review, to ensure their availability.

In addition, the staff at the LRDC maintains a list of publisher contact information, and can help you navigate getting review materials delivered directly to your LEA if you prefer.

What programs are other districts using?

We are unable to maintain a list of math materials used throughout the county due to the frequency that materials are changed. 

We also recognize that the uniqueness of each LEA, and the needs of the teachers, students and families need to be matched to their own materials. 
 

Which program gets the best test scores?

We don’t have any research that supports correlating a specific material to test scores. 

EdReports offers various reports to help indicate the degree to which the materials are aligned with CA Standards, both content and practices, which are the targets of the state assessments. A high degree of alignment might indicate a high degree of support for students in preparing them for state assessments. In particular, their reports on Gateways 1 (content standards) and 2 (practice standards) offer information about the materials’ alignment.

Which program has the best EL support?

We recognize the brilliance and needs of emerging bilingual students, but also that their strengths and needs are variable across the identity marker. We encourage you to consider with your students, teachers and families the unique strengths and needs of your emerging bilingual learners as you work through the important steps towards adoption. 

Which program do teachers like?

We recognize the brilliance and needs of all teachers, but also that their strengths and needs are variable across the county. We encourage you to consider with your teachers the unique strengths and needs they have as you work through the important steps towards adoption. 

In addition, EdReports offers various reports to help indicate the degree of usability of the materials (Gateway 3).

Which programs come with an intervention program?

We are unable to maintain a list of math materials that have intervention programs due to the frequency that materials are changed.

As you consider intervention, we recommend reading or watching one or more of the following:

• 13 Thoughts on Math Teaching and Intervention as We Enter the 2021 School Year by Dr. Rachel Lambert
• Centering Our Humanity: Addressing Social and Emotional Needs in Schools and Mathematics Classrooms by TODOS
• Universal Design for Learning at a Glance by CAST
• Taking the First Step in Designing Mathematics Intervention by Achieve the Core
• How to Select Math Intervention Content by Achieve the Core

Which program has the best technology options (can be used with specific devices…)?

We are unable to maintain a list of math materials that have technology options (or used with specific devices) due to the frequency that materials are changed.

As you consider technology use in mathematics, we recommend reading or watching one or more of the following:

• Guide to Building Great (Digital) Math Activities by Desmos

• Effective Technology Use in Math Class by Edutopia

• Do We Have to Integrate Technology in the Math Classroom?  By Dr. Matt Larson

• Effective and ineffective technology in the math classroom by Math Teacher Lounge

• Demonstrating Conceptual Understanding of Mathematics Using Technology by Achieve the Core

• Redefining Teaching and Learning with Technology by Jason Brown (TEDxNorwichED)

What open resources are there?

There is a list of open resources available here. In addition, EdReports continues to review new materials and maintains a list of new materials under consideration.

When will there be a new list of materials (for the new mathematics framework)?

The new mathematics framework is currently in process. You can view the timeline here. There will be a materials review after the final SBE approval of the new mathematics framework.

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• October 2022

• August 2022

• June 2022

• April 2022

• February 2022

• December 2021

• October 2021

• August 2021