November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, contributions, and enduring legacies of Native American communities. For math teachers in Oregon, this month provides a chance to highlight the nine Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon, showcasing the rich diversity of Native American experiences. The Tribal History/Shared History lessons further enhance this effort, offering a means to integrate these perspectives into the curriculum throughout the school year, deepening students’ understanding of tribal nations’ histories and viewpoints. 

In addition to these resources, we encourage you to explore the following articles from Education Northwest: 

• “From Status Quo to Sovereignty: A Framework for Tribally Specific Pedagogy” highlights the shift to educational practices that honor tribal sovereignty and cultural values, supporting Indigenous students. 

• “Bringing Tribal History, Culture, and Contemporary Contributions to the Classroom” showcases a collaboration with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to develop a curriculum that teaches both Native and non-Native students about the Tribe’s history, culture, and contributions. 

OSAS Math Sample and Training Tests Now Available for 2024-25 

The Math Sample and Training Tests in the Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) are now available for 2024-25. Each of the OSAS Training Tests has been updated to include an item aligned with Oregon’s Data Reasoning standards, consistent with the items that will be field tested by Oregon students in Spring 2025. Access the OSAS Sample and Training Tests via the OSAS Portal. Scoring guides are currently being revised and will be posted to the OSAS Portal in December. Contact Andrew Byerley, Math Assessment Specialist, for more information or with questions. 

Smarter Balanced Teaching & Learning Innovation Awards 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) invites Oregon public school districts, including public charter schools and Education Service Districts (ESDs), to apply for the Smarter Balanced Teaching and Learning Innovation Awards. 

These awards celebrate the most innovative and effective practices that use resources from Smarter Balanced, including OSAS Interim Assessments in ELA and/or Math, Tools for Teachers, and use of OSAS ELA and/or Math test results, including cross-sectional reports. Smarter Balanced will offer up to $10,000 to a public school district in Oregon. Awardees will be featured on Smarter Balanced platforms highlighting their innovations. 

Please reference this informational flier for more details, including how to apply. The application portal opens November 12, 2024. Email sb@smarterbalanced.org with questions. 

Announcing the New Webpage for the 2023-25 Mathways Grants! 

We are excited to announce the launch of the new 2023-25 Mathways Grants website! This dedicated page provides comprehensive information about the grants, including goals, resources, and how you can get involved. The Mathways Grants aim to support high-quality instructional materials and professional learning opportunities aligned with the 2021 Oregon Math Standards.  

Thank you to all the educators who will engage in work this next year to create the resources and opportunities available through the Mathways Grants. Together, we can continue to advance math education in Oregon and ensure all students have access to high-quality, equitable learning experiences.   

• Explore the 2023-25 Mathways Grants website to learn more!

PAEMST 2024-2025 Awards: Nominations are open 

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.  

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades 7-12 for the 2024-25 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at http://www.paemst.nsf.gov/  

Nominations can be submitted beginning on August 1st and will be accepted through the end of the application cycle on February 6, 2025. Nominators are encouraged to give their nominees as much time as possible to complete the application, and it is recommended that all nominations are submitted by January 6, 2025.  

Beginning this year, nominators can submit nominations for both the current 7th-12th grade cycle as well as for next years K-6th grade cycle. All nominees will be notified of their nominations, and 7th-12th grade nominees will be able to begin their application immediately.  Questions related to the Oregon PAEMST nomination and application can be directed to Mark Freed, ODE Math Education Specialist.  

Join the Oregon Math Leaders Network 

The Oregon Math Leaders Network is a community of math practitioners who work together to implement and support math teaching and learning in Oregon. Participants include teacher leaders, TOSAs, program administrators, college faculty, and math community partners. If you identify as a math leader, you are invited! The 2024-25 virtual meetings will continue to take place on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM on Zoom.  

Important Update: You must re-register for each of the meetings you wish to attend. After registering, Zoom will give you the option to add the events to your calendar. Please remember to delete any old events to avoid confusion. Look for the text “New Link” in the title to ensure you are keeping the correct ones. The links below have also been updated on ODE's Mathematics webpage. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Freed. 

The 2024-25 virtual meetings will continue to take place on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM on Zoom. Re-register now for the 2024 Virtual OML Network Meetings.