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Looking for past updates? Previous Mathematics Update newsletters are available and provide access to resources, professional learning opportunities, and important announcements shared throughout the year. These newsletters can be a helpful way to revisit key information and stay connected to ongoing mathematics work across the state. Be sure to scroll down on the page.
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 outlines the key goals, action steps, and outcomes that will guide implementation. 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.
 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. Based on questions received from the field, the Department has released a document addressing frequently asked questions about the ELI and Math Counts Act. This guidance answers questions about screening, risk and proficiency determinations, personalized plans, home communication, and more. In addition, the 2-pager summary has been updated to reflect the changes to ISASP.
Access the FAQ and the updated summary on the Department’s Mathematics Instruction webpage
The Flexibility Formula professional learning will continue next year, focusing on building strong foundations in mathematics instruction through flexible, educator-centered learning. The core learning includes approximately 10 hours of content, with pathways designed for PK–2nd grade, 3rd-6th grades, and a Coaches Edition.
Participants engage in a cycle with four modules: understanding early numeracy, observing students engaging in early numeracy, connecting early numeracy to other mathematical concepts and home, and experiencing early numeracy. This cycle supports both individual learning and implementation in real classrooms. The flexible structure includes asynchronous learning and opportunities to engage in deeper learning as a school community through individual reflection, professional learning community discussion questions and learning experiences.
The Iowa Department of Education mathematics team will be providing optional one hour virtual sessions for instructional leaders to support implementation of the Flexibility Formula. Commit to continuous growth in mathematics teaching by engaging with these opportunities.
One hour Zoom sessions for Instructional Leaders on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30 am - 9:30 am.
September 8, 2026
October 13, 2026
November 10, 2026
December 8, 2026
January 12, 2027
February 9, 2027
March 9, 2027
April 13, 2027
May 11, 2027
For questions, contact April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov.
Looking for a quick, practical way to stay connected to mathematics teaching and learning in Iowa?
Check out the Sum Kind of Math Podcast hosted by Iowa mathematics instructional coaches Tamara Bane and Kristin Grotewold. Through short, engaging episodes, they share reflections, insights, and conversations about the work happening in mathematics classrooms across the state.
Designed to be bite-sized, down-to-earth, and genuinely useful, the podcast explores topics such as screeners and progress monitoring, automaticity, numeracy, and the math dichotomy—all through the lens of supporting students and educators.
Whether you're a teacher, coach, administrator, or mathematics enthusiast, the Sum Kind of Math Podcast offers an easy way to stay informed and inspired.
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Looking for a unique summer opportunity for a high school student interested in STEM?
The Rise to WiSE Summer Experience at Iowa State University is designed for students entering their junior or senior year of high school. Participants choose from hands-on STEM tracks in Engineering or Life Sciences while learning from Iowa State faculty, staff, and students. In addition to academic experiences, students will explore campus life through activities such as visiting the ISU Creamery, Cy Bowling, and other on-campus events.
The program fee includes housing, meals, a T-shirt, select WiSE/ISU merchandise, and all on-campus expenses. Financial assistance is available through the registration process.
Summer 2026 Sessions
- July 12–16, 2026
- July 19–23, 2026
Cost: $450 through June 26 ($500 late registration)
Learn more: https://www.wise.iastate.edu/rise-wise
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Turn Your Idea Into Reality! What project would you fund if awarded a grant?
The Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) offers Teaching & Learning Grant of up to $750 to support professional learning opportunities and projects that strengthen mathematics teaching and learning.
Funding is available for professional learning or projects focused on:
- Access and equity
- Iowa Core Mathematics Standards
- Standards for Mathematical Practice
- Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices
The ICTM Teaching & Learning Grant is designed to:
- Support professional learning that helps educators grow their skills and impact student success
- Help educators bring innovative ideas and proven practices to their classrooms and schools
- Strengthen mathematics education through projects that inspire better teaching and stronger learning for all students
Whether you are planning a professional learning experience, developing resources, implementing new instructional strategies, or leading a project that advances mathematics education, ICTM can help turn your idea into reality.
Up to $750 is available.
Applications are due June 30, 2026.
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The Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) will award one grant of up to $1,200 to help an educator attend the NCTM Annual Meeting this fall.
The grant may be used to help cover:
- Conference registration
- Travel expenses
- Lodging
- Related conference expenses
Attending the NCTM Annual Meeting provides opportunities to:
- Gain fresh ideas, instructional strategies, and resources to bring back to students and colleagues
- Connect with mathematics educators from across the nation
- Strengthen professional practice through high-quality learning experiences
- Invest in professional growth and leadership development
One grant of up to $1,200 is available.
Applications are due June 30, 2026.
Learn more and apply: https://www.iowamath.org/ICTM-Grants
The NCTM Annual Meeting Travel Grant supports Iowa mathematics educators in expanding their professional learning and bringing new ideas home to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning.
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 Do you have a successful strategy, innovative lesson, engaging task, or inspiring story to share with mathematics educators across Iowa?
The Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) is accepting speaker proposals for the 2026 ICTM Fall Conference. We invite classroom teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, higher education faculty, and other mathematics education leaders to submit session proposals that support high-quality mathematics teaching and learning.
Monday, October 20, 2026
FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny, Iowa
Whether you have a practical classroom idea, a professional learning experience to share, or insights that can help colleagues strengthen student learning, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
Proposal Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
Join us in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of ICTM and help make the 2026 conference a valuable learning experience for mathematics educators across Iowa.
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Know a fabulous mathematics educator in Iowa? Nominate them for one of our awards! Nominations are accepted throughout the year and awards are presented at our annual conference. Visit the ICTM website for more information. |
 Save the date for the Iowa STEM Summit on Friday, November 6, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
This event, presented by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education, brings together hundreds of Iowans from education, business and industry, nonprofits, trade organizations, elected officials and students to amplify the conversation about solutions for connecting education and the workforce.
Proposals are being accepted through July 29 for presentations, panelists and roundtable discussions across all STEM disciplines and content areas. Proposals incorporating student voices are especially encouraged.
If you have insights to share, please submit your proposal!
Questions can be directed to Summit@iowastem.org.
 Registration is now open for two featured pre-conference workshops at the ICTM 2026 Fall Conference: Math Counts. Period., celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM).
Monday, October 19, 2026
FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny, Iowa
Foundations of Numerical Reasoning: K–5 Building Fluency that Scales Across the Grades
Presenter: Graham Fletcher
K–5 educators will develop students’ numerical reasoning and strengthen mathematical fluency.
Developing Mathematical Reasoning (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Pam Harris
Grades 6–12 educators will help students build mathematical reasoning and deepen conceptual understanding.
Learn from two nationally recognized mathematics educators.
Sign up today! Registration and conference information: https://www.iowamath.org
Explore exciting career pathways in data, risk, and analytics at Actuarial Cyence Day on November 5 in Ames. This event connects students and educators with Iowa State faculty and industry professionals to learn more about actuarial science and statistics majors.
Participants will gain insight into high-demand careers, competitive salaries, and opportunities for networking with professionals. Travel grant support may be available for eligible groups.
Contact Rahul Parsa to learn more and express interest in attending.
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Have new educators (teachers, coaches, administrators) joined your district/school? Help them sign up for the Mathematics Update newsletter!
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