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The Iowa Department of Education will release new implementation support aligned with the Math Counts Act (House File 784) to assist districts in strengthening mathematics instruction for K–6 students.
These resources are designed to support the local implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ensuring that all students receive timely, targeted, and standards-aligned instruction.
Resources will be available on the Department’s Mathematics webpage. For questions, please contact Christi Donald at christi.donald@iowa.gov or April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov.
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The Iowa Department of Education is excited to announce an upcoming professional learning opportunity aligned with the goals of House File 784 (HF 784), which prioritizes high-quality instruction in early numeracy: Build Math Minds -- The Flexibility Formula.
This professional learning series is designed to strengthen mathematics instruction by building fluency and deepening conceptual understanding among educators. Developed by nationally recognized mathematics educator Christina Tondevold, The Flexibility Formula supports teachers in helping all students develop a strong foundation in number sense.
This professional learning opportunity is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Iowa students develop strong mathematical foundations. Stay tuned for more details about how to register and participate. Additional support will be provided for schools identified for comprehensive support.
Please have your district’s designated point of contact complete this registration form. For any questions, contact April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov.
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To support early identification and targeted instruction, the Iowa Department of Education has published a vetted list of mathematics screening and progress monitoring tools for students in grades K–6. These tools meet the technical requirements outlined in House File 784 and are designed to support local implementation of MTSS. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, all districts must administer an approved screener three times annually and use an approved tool for progress monitoring.
For any questions, contact Christi Donald at christi.donald@iowa.gov.
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Iowa Code 279.68, as amended by House File 2618 and House File 784, promotes effective assessment, instruction, and intervention practices to support all students to become proficient in reading and mathematics. Taken together, these separate requirements are combined into a common set of assessment, intervention and decision-making practices.
For any questions, contact Christi Donald at christi.donald@iowa.gov.
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House File 784 requires the development of a personalized mathematics plan for any K–6 student identified as “persistently at risk” in mathematics. The Department has developed a statewide template and technical assistance document to support educators in designing targeted, data-informed plans that address the individual needs of students. Plans should include clear instructional goals, research-based strategies, and a progress monitoring system. Plans also ensure ongoing communication with families and provide scaffolds to maintain access to grade-level content.
For any questions, contact Christi Donald at christi.donald@iowa.gov.
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By House File 784, the Iowa Department of Education developed the Iowa Comprehensive State Mathematics Plan (CSMP) to increase mathematics proficiency statewide. The Executive Summary highlights Year 1 priorities and outlines the key goals, action steps, and outcomes that will guide implementation beginning in the 2025–26 school year. The plan outlines a multi-year vision focused on four key goals: strengthening universal instruction, improving interventions, supporting teacher preparation, and expanding stakeholder engagement. The CSMP serves as a roadmap for continuous improvement in mathematics education and provides aligned resources, actions, and timelines for schools, AEAs, and educator preparation programs. |
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Time: Watch anytime between 4–8 PM PST
Location: Your living room (or anywhere online!)
Tickets: $15 – Limited availability, RSVP soon!
Grab popcorn and join friends or family for a one-night-only screening of Counted Out, a powerful new film exploring math as a language for reason, a foundation for truth, and a tool for democracy.
Reserve your spot today and help make it a night that counts!
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The Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) presents the Marilyn Zweng First-Year Teacher Grant, offering 15 grants of $500 (for full-time math teachers) or $300 (for part-time math teachers)—plus a free one-year ICTM membership.
This opportunity supports Iowa educators in their first year of teaching math, providing grant funds for classroom materials, resources, or professional learning.
Deadline: August 15
Visit iowamath.org/MZ‑Grant to learn more and apply.
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K–5 Math Educators: Join Dr. Marian Small for a Day of Fraction Learning!
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: The Huxley Learning Center, 1551 Highway 210, Huxley, IA
Join internationally renowned math educator Dr. Marian Small for Uncomplicating Fractions—a hands-on workshop designed to help K–5 teachers deepen students’ understanding of fractions.
Read about the Workshop
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High School Math Educators: Make Math Irresistible!
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA
Join Dr. Raj Shah for Making Math Irresistible, a full-day workshop that blends psychology, storytelling, and hands-on activities to transform your classroom into a place where students want to persevere.
Read about the Workshop
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Join ICTM at the 2025 ICTM Fall Math Conference!
The Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) invites you to the 2025 Fall Math Conference on Tuesday, October 21, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny!
This year’s theme, "Building Connected Relationships with Math," features an inspiring keynote by Dr. Marian Small, as well as sessions led by Iowa educators and national speakers. Read about ICTM's Speakers
Don't miss this chance to collaborate, learn, and grow alongside fellow math educators across the state.
Register today and explore full conference details at: iowamath.org/2025-conference
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Join Iowa State University faculty and professional actuaries on the Iowa State University campus for a fun and informative look at our actuarial science and statistics majors and the rewarding career options awaiting your students after graduation.
Email Rahul Parsa raparsa@iastate.edu to express your interest in participating and to determine if your class is eligible for a travel grant for the event.
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Challenge Launches This Fall!
NASA TechRise is back and ready to inspire the next generation of innovators! This free national challenge invites middle and high school student teams (grades 6–12) to design experiments for suborbital flights, including those using rockets and high-altitude balloons.
What’s Included:
- $1,500 for each of the 60 winning teams to build their experiment
- A NASA-sponsored flight to test the project
- Technical support from NASA advisors
- Free classroom resources and educator pacing guides
- Virtual field trips and optional info sessions
Iowa had a winner last year! Check out Maharishi School’s winning project and see what your students could do next.
The 2025–26 challenge opens this September—be ready by pre-registering and downloading the flyer at futureengineers.org/nasatechrise.
Would you like a custom information session for your school or organization? Request one here, or email techrise@futureengineers.org for more details.
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Have NEW educators (teachers, coaches, administrators) joined your district/school? Help them sign up for the Mathematics Update newsletter!
Christi Donald
K-12 Mathematics Consultant
Academics and Learner Supports
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
515-419-9012
christi.donald@iowa.gov
April Pforts
K-12 Mathematics Consultant
Academics and Learner Supports
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
515-314-6243
april.pforts@iowa.gov
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