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The Iowa Department of Education has released implementation supports 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), to ensure that all students receive timely, targeted, and standards-aligned instruction.
Resources are 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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Mathematics Professional Development for Grades K-6
The Iowa Department of Education is providing professional learning aligned with the goals of House File 784 (HF 784), which prioritizes high-quality instruction in early numeracy at no cost for all educators in grades K-6. Build Math Minds -- The Flexibility Formula provides an overview of the components of the professional learning including asynchronous modules and opportunities for digging deeper in synchronous virtual sessions.
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. Additional support will be provided for schools identified for comprehensive support.
For any questions, contact April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov.
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Transform your approach to mathematics instruction for multilingual learners!
This 100% self-paced online course from Iowa State University helps K–12 teachers apply research-based strategies to meet the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of students in math classrooms. Participants explore topics such as culturally sustaining pedagogy, mathematical discussion, translanguaging, and family engagement.
Course Highlights:
- Free online textbook
- Licensure Renewal (LR) credit available — 1 to 3 credits ($85/credit)
- Free lesson plans upon completion
Registration Opens: Nov. 1, 2025
Registration Closes: May 2026
Learn more or enroll: go.iastate.edu/LSXWVY
Contact: Dr. Jiyeong Yi – jjiyeongi@iastate.edu
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Are you a district math leader or instructional coach looking to collaborate, share ideas, and learn with others across Iowa? The Math Instructional Coach Network is the place for you!
This virtual network meets from 8:30–9:30 a.m. on the second Monday of each month to discuss timely topics and practical strategies related to the Math Counts Bill and effective math leadership.
Upcoming Topics:
- Nov. 10: Screeners & Progress Monitoring
- Dec. 8: Interventions
- Jan. 12: Family Communication
- Feb. 9: Navigating Panorama
- Mar. 9: Is My Intervention Working?
- Apr. 13 & May 11: TBD
Bring your questions, ideas, and insights to share!
Questions? Contact Kristin Grotewold (kgrotewold@waukeeschools.org) or Tamara Bane (tbane@winterset.k12.ia.us).
This is made available through a collaboration of the Iowa Council Teacher of Mathematics (ICTM) and the Iowa Affiliate of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (IA-NCSM).
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IA-NCSM is making a few exciting changes to better support mathematics leaders across Iowa. Instead of our monthly virtual meetings to finish Figuring Out Fluency, we are transitioning to a more flexible format.
Beginning in December, members can complete the book study asynchronously, starting with Chapter 6. All previous chapter recordings and resources remain available on the IA-NCSM website for anyone wishing to catch up.
In place of the monthly meetings, we invite members to participate in the Math Instructional Coach Network and the Flexibility Formula training. This change allows math leaders of all roles and regions to engage collaboratively in ongoing professional learning while maintaining flexibility in how they participate.
Join IA-NCSM (it’s free) tell your leaders!
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Iowa’s premier professional learning and networking event for new teachers is back for its 11th year! The Emerging Educators Academy returns on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Drake University’s Olmsted Center in Des Moines. Led by teachers for teachers, this year’s theme — “Iowa Educators Lead” — focuses on building classroom culture and creating positive learning environments.
Participants will engage in a full day of activities, celebration, and inspiration featuring breakout sessions with some of Iowa’s top educators.
Registration is open through Dec. 19. Fees are $35 for beginning teachers and mentors, and $25 for college students interested in education careers.
Learn more and register today to save your seat!
Mark your calendars for the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) 60th Conference, October 19–20, 2026, for an unforgettable two-day professional learning experience!
Monday, October 19:
Join a full-day workshop with your choice of Graham Fletcher (elementary focus) or Pam Harris (secondary focus).
Tuesday, October 20:
Attend the ICTM Fall Conference, featuring keynote speaker Christina Tondevold, along with engaging sessions from Graham Fletcher and Pam Harris.
Iowa’s premier mathematics education event—packed with inspiration, collaboration, and classroom-ready strategies for every grade level.
Save the date and don’t miss out! Be sure to check out ICTM for other happenings.
Stay Connected:
Follow ICTM on social media for updates, resources, and event highlights!
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 Becky Thorson has supported math instruction for 24 years in various roles—first as a middle school math teacher, an elementary math instructional coach, and a district math curriculum lead —and, for the last 8 years, has served both rural and urban districts as a Math Curriculum Consultant for Grant Wood Area Education Agency. It has been both her passion and her most sincere privilege to work alongside some of the most dedicated math educators and leaders in Iowa.
Becky has supported the implementation of common state standards in the state since their inception. In the years since, the development of high-quality instructional materials has expanded to align with and support the rigorous expectations of the Iowa Academic Standards for Mathematics. But materials alone do not teach children. It takes the dedication and hard work of classroom teachers and district leaders who are unwavering in their commitment to implementing the Eight Effective Teaching Practices, ensuring rigorous instruction in every classroom.
Becky is proud to have supported multiple districts spanning K-12 education in the implementation of one such high-quality instructional material—Illustrative Mathematics. Alongside district partners in the Iowa City Community School District, Becky and her colleagues have used the IM Implementation Reflection Tool, along with the eight Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices, to support leaders and classroom teachers in reflecting on their curriculum implementation journey towards better student outcomes. With Monique Cottman, Iowa City Middle School Math Curriculum Lead, and under the direction and supervision of Carmen Gwenigale, the Iowa City Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Becky, Monique and building instructional coaches are doing rounds of classroom walkthroughs and holding coaching conversations with each middle school math teacher and co-teacher around key indicators from the Implementation Reflection Tool to “propel classrooms toward equitable and responsive implementation of IM Certified Math so that all children can know, use, and enjoy mathematics.” (Illustrative Mathematics IRT, 2024) Becky and Monique are amazed every day by the dedication and hard work that teachers in Iowa City are demonstrating to transform the mathematical learning experience for their students—not only in middle school but across their entire system. The IM Implementation Reflection Tool has given Becky’s districts the flexibility to focus on indicators most aligned with their district priorities and the Effective Math Teaching Practices, and to collect data that promotes teacher reflection.
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What are you doing to promote mathematics?
Are you utilizing tools to design instruction, assess learning, or create professional learning opportunities to support all students in meeting the expectations of the Iowa Academic Standards of Mathematics?
We value your work, and would love to hear about your successes. Share your work and celebrations!!!
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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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