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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.
The literacy and mathematical risk status calculations used by Student Success will be changing to better align with legislative language. Once a student is persistently at risk (PAR), their status will stay PAR until they are at/above benchmark on two consecutive screening windows. This change will occur over the summer and should be in place by the end of August 2026. The updated calculations may result in changes from the student’s spring risk status when they return in the fall.
Important: Schools are strongly encouraged to verify student risk status in the fall since status may change for some students.
For questions, reach out to support_iowa@panoramaed.com.
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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. Based on questions received from the field, the Department has released a document addressing frequently asked questions about the Early Literacy Implementation (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.
For additional questions, please contact Greg Feldmann at greg.feldmann@iowa.gov or Melissa Carlson at melissa.carlson@iowa.gov
Renaissance has notified the Department that benchmarks and norms for screening and progress monitoring assessments will be updated for the 2026-2027 school year. The new benchmarks and norms are set to release on July 1, 2026, and will be available in the FastBridge platform under the Training & Resources tab. FastBridge periodically updates its benchmarks and norms so educators can accurately understand how students are performing and make sound instructional decisions. As student populations and learning conditions change over time, updated benchmarks ensure expectations reflect current realities rather than outdated performance patterns. This helps schools correctly identify which students are on track and which need additional support. Ultimately, these updates support effective MTSS implementation over time.
Important: Beginning in the fall of 2026, schools that utilize the FastBridge math tools will need to update local resources and support to match the new benchmarks and norms.
For questions, reach out to support_iowa@panoramaed.com.
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 to 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.
 Iowa's youngest mathematicians continue to impress! This spring, 785 third-grade students from across the state were nominated for the National Math Stars program after scoring in the top 2% statewide on the mathematics portion of the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP).
By the June 14 application deadline, 569 students and families—more than 71% of all nominees—submitted applications to join the program. These applicants represent 151 school districts and more than 291 elementary schools across Iowa.
National Math Stars is a free, 10-year enrichment program designed to support mathematically extraordinary students through mentorship, advanced learning opportunities, family advising, and funding for enrichment. The program is committed to ensuring that students with exceptional mathematical potential have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
The Iowa Department of Education is proud of the students, families, and educators who made this year's application cycle such a success and looks forward to celebrating the next generation of mathematical leaders.
Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest is offering a free virtual professional learning series for grades 5 and 6 mathematics teachers, coaches, and instructional leaders this fall. The series is based on the Teaching Fractions Toolkit and focuses on evidence-based instruction in fractions, fraction computation, and ratio, rate, and proportion.
Sessions will be held weekly from mid-September through early November 2026 and will provide participants with practical instructional strategies, opportunities to monitor student understanding, and collaboration with educators from across the Midwest.
Two session options are available:
- Wednesdays: 3:30–4:30 p.m. Central Time
- Thursdays: 3:30–4:30 p.m. Central Time
Interested educators can register using the online sign-up form and learn more about the instructional strategies featured in the series by viewing the Engaging Students in Fractions Learning video.
This is an excellent opportunity for grades 5 and 6 educators looking to strengthen their fractions instruction and connect with colleagues across the region.
Register for Teaching Fractions in Grades 5 and 6
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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 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 15, 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.
 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.
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New Teacher. Bright Future. We're Here to Help!
The ICTM Marilyn Zweng Teacher Grant supports Iowa educators in their first mathematics teaching position. Full-time teachers are eligible for a $500 grant, and part-time teachers are eligible for a $300 grant. Only 15 grants are available to help new mathematics teachers with classroom and professional expenses.
Applications close August 20. Learn more and apply at iowamath.org/MZ-Grant today. Invest in yourself. Invest in your students.
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Planning to attend the ICTM Annual Conference? ICTM is offering two conference grants of up to $400 each to help members offset registration and travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals (up to $25 per day). These grants are designed to support educators as they strengthen instructional practices and improve student mathematics achievement.
Applications are due August 31. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and apply today!
https://www.iowamath.org/ICTM-Grants
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 The NASA TechRise Student Challenge is a free opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to design and submit an experiment to fly on a commercial suborbital flight in the space industry. This year’s flight vehicle is a high-altitude balloon. The challenge is expected to open in September and encourages teams of all skill levels to participate.
Sixty winning teams will receive:
- $1,500 to build their experiment
- A spot to test their experiment on a NASA-sponsored flight
- Technical support from NASA TechRise advisors
- Free educational resources and learning opportunities throughout the challenge
Educators can also access videos, slide decks, pacing guides, and other resources to support student participation. Iowa already has a successful track record in the challenge, including a winning team from Adel DeSoto Minburn Middle School during the 2025-26 challenge cycle.
Watch for the challenge to open this September and encourage your students to reach for the stars!
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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.
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 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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