|
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.
 |
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 educators' conceptual understanding. 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.
|
The Iowa Math Counts Act (HF 784) requires all K-6 students to be screened three times a year. Schools will use the results from the screener to identify any student who is persistently at risk in mathematics. For any student identified as persistently at risk, schools must create a personalized mathematics plan, provide interventions, and monitor progress.
The winter screening window starts on January 5, 2026 and concludes on February 6, 2026. The spring screening window is from April 20 - May 29, 2026.
Resources available to support schools:
|
|
 A new resource is available to support districts in reviewing Iowa’s model high school mathematics pathways and their alignment to the Iowa Academic Standards for Mathematics and SCED codes. As educators explore this document, we encourage close attention to how each path is intentionally designed around distinct mathematical priorities and postsecondary goals.
In particular, Pathways 1 and 2 are structured to support focused, coherent engagement with the required high school mathematics standards. At the same time, Pathway 3 extends that work to include a broader range of advanced algebraic, trigonometric, and precalculus concepts. Noticing how the scope and emphasis shift across pathways can support thoughtful conversations about course design, instructional time, and student access to rigorous mathematics aligned to plans.
This resource is intended to support planning, alignment, and local decision-making as districts design pathways that best meet their students' needs and goals.It is posted on the Iowa Department of Education Mathematics Standards webpage.
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 to 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:
- 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 of Teacher of Mathematics (ICTM) and the Iowa Affiliate of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (IA-NCSM).
|
 |
|
Iowa students interested in computer science and related fields may want to explore the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to $40,000 over four years, along with paid internship opportunities, for high school seniors planning to pursue careers in computing or technology-related fields.
The application deadline is January 15 at 3:00 p.m. CT.
|
|
|
The Math Fact Fluency Companion Website offers free access to classroom-ready resources that support effective, research-based instruction in mathematics facts. Designed to accompany Math Fact Fluency by Jennifer Bay-Williams and Gina Kling, the site includes updated game boards and instruction sheets, now available in PDF and Google Slides formats.
Educators can also explore interactive demonstrations of the games, making it easier to understand how the activities work and how they support learning and retention. These resources are intended to help teachers provide engaging practice while building student confidence and understanding.
Connection to the Flexibility Formula
This free companion website supports the Flexibility Formula professional learning by emphasizing strategic reasoning, multiple ways to solve, and meaningful practice. The games, demonstrations, and instructional supports reinforce flexible thinking about math facts—moving beyond memorization to understanding, efficiency, and confidence.
|
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!
|
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
|
 Dr. Robert van Deusen, author and creator of the image resources featured in the Implementation Guidebook, would like to acknowledge the strong support of the Williamsburg Community School District. He is especially grateful to Dr. Chad Garber, Superintendent, and Mr. Brent Zirkel, Principal at Mary Welsh School, for their ongoing encouragement and commitment. Their support has enabled Dr. van Deusen to contribute meaningfully to statewide efforts, including mathematics standards revision and the development of visual resources included in the Iowa Academic Standards for Mathematics Implementation Guidebook.
In his role at Williamsburg, Dr. van Deusen supports students across grades K–6 through targeted mathematics intervention and enrichment. He also meets weekly with Colton Ness, one of Iowa’s Fourth Grade Math Stars, to explore advanced mathematical ideas and problem-solving strategies. Together, these efforts reflect the district’s shared commitment to supporting students who need additional time while also extending learning for students ready for deeper challenge.
The accompanying photo captures Colton engaging in a rich mathematical task using Gomoku with Equations, a game designed by Dr. van Deusen. Through strategic reasoning and exploration of number relationships, Colton identified an equation that met a target value—illustrating the type of mathematical thinking the district works to cultivate.
 |
|
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!!!
|
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
|
