In math education, relevance and engagement are key. The Engagement Cornerstone of the Oregon Math Project emphasizes connecting students to meaningful, real-world mathematics. This is reflected in Oregon’s 2021 math standards, which prioritizes modeling, reasoning, and authentic applications.
This month, we focus on data literacy, a growing area in K–12 education. With the addition of Data Reasoning standards in Oregon, educators have new opportunities to help students build skills in analyzing and communicating with data. Data science also encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration. Math educators can work with peers in science, social studies, and the arts to design projects using real-world datasets that allow students to explore patterns, make predictions, and share insights through data storytelling.
New National K-12 Data Science Learning Progressions
With the growing importance of STEAM education and data literacy, we’re spotlighting resources from Data Science 4 Everyone (DS4E), a national initiative offering guidance and tools to support data science integration in K–12 classrooms. Last month, the initiative released a draft set of K–12 Data Science Learning Progressions, which you can explore here. To learn more, you can view their informational webinar that introduces the progressions and their potential impact on classroom instruction. [Link to DS4E Webinar Recording][Link to DS4E Webinar Slides]
Additional resources below help make the case for data science in K–12 education and highlight the importance of coherent learning progressions:
Look for additional data science resources and collaboration opportunities developed this year by Oregon STEM Hubs, which will be shared in upcoming editions of this newsletter.
If you have questions or comments about the resources from Data Science 4 Everyone, including the newly released K–12 Data Science Learning Progressions from DS4E, please reach out to the ODE Math Team at ODE.Math@ode.oregon.gov.
|
Now Available: ODE’s STEAM Toolkit for K–12 Educators
This November, we celebrate National STEAM Education Day, observed on November 8, 2025. Explore the exciting work happening across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in Oregon through the new Oregon STEM YouTube channel.
The Oregon Department of Education is excited to announce the release of the new STEAM Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to support educators and administrators in designing and delivering engaging, interdisciplinary instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Aligned with Oregon’s commitment to well-rounded and equitable education, the toolkit includes:
-
Project-based learning ideas
-
Equity-centered teaching strategies
-
Real-world STEAM connections
Whether you're just beginning your STEAM journey or looking to deepen your practice, this toolkit offers practical tools and inspiration for every classroom.
|
AI Tools and Resources for Math Educators
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, including math classrooms. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can enhance instruction and empower both teachers and students. To help educators navigate this evolving landscape, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and partners have developed new resources offering guidance, practical strategies, and critical thinking tools.
|
Teaching Fractions Toolkit
Fractions are a critical foundation for higher-level math, yet they remain one of the most challenging concepts for students—and teachers. To support effective instruction, the Teaching Fractions Toolkit, developed by the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), offers research-based strategies and practical tools for grade 6 educators.
The toolkit aligns with the What Works Clearinghouse practice guide and focuses on building conceptual understanding before procedural fluency. It includes:
-
Professional Development Modules: Evidence-based approaches for teaching fractions using number lines, visual models, and real-world contexts.
-
Teacher Reflection and Formative Assessments: Tools to identify misconceptions and strengthen instructional practices.
-
Leader Resources: Guidance for administrators and coaches to support teachers and align instruction across grades.
Explore the Teaching Fractions Toolkit and bring clarity to fraction instruction: Access the Toolkit
|
+1 Dual Credit Math Courses Info Session
Educators and school leaders are invited to attend an informational session on expanding access to +1 Dual Credit Math Courses. This session will provide an overview of opportunities to offer or grow 100-level math courses in high schools, including available resources and support. Teams are encouraged to attend, including teachers, counselors, and administrators. A recording will be available for registered participants.
-
Open-source instructional materials
-
Training and professional learning communities
-
Partnerships with higher education institutions
-
Dual credit options for students
-
Wednesday, December 3 at 3:30–4:15 PM (Zoom)
OCTM/ODE Afternoon Learning Sessions – Additional Links
In addition to the monthly Oregon Math Leaders Network meetings occurring in the morning, the Oregon Council of Teachers of Math (OCTM) will be partnering with ODE to offer afternoon learning sessions for teachers. Each month will feature a different topic and speaker available for all teachers and will occur on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM PT unless noted otherwise. Save the dates below and look for registration links on the ODE Math Homepage as speakers and topics are identified throughout the year.
Session 4: December 9, 2025, 4:00-5:00 PM PT
-
Topic: Statistics Tools and Tasks
2026 AMTE Annual Conference
The Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) will host its 30th Annual Conference on February 5–7, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. This event provides mathematics teacher educators, researchers, and leaders with opportunities to share innovative practices, explore impactful research, and collaborate on strategies to advance mathematics education.
-
Engaging sessions and networking opportunities
-
Special one day Saturday sessions for K–12 teachers and school leaders
-
Options for in-person or virtual participation
-
Regular Registration: December 19, 2025
-
Late Registration: January 31, 2026
-
On-site Registration: Begins February 1, 2026
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.
|
If you have an opportunity or announcement to share statewide, please contact the ODE Math Team.
|
