|
To: Oregon Math Educator Update
From: Oregon Department of Education
Date: 1/23/2026
In This Message / Message Preview
- New resources to support Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) in mathematics, including a math‑specific Teacher’s Guide and learning modules.
- Announcements on upcoming professional learning opportunities, including the Middle School Math Statewide PLC and AI + Data Science PD Week.
- Opportunities for educators to participate in statewide and national STEM initiatives.
Action Needed, Action Required, or Upcoming Deadline
- Register for the Middle School Math Statewide PLC (Grades 6–8) — Sessions begin March 3, 2026.
- Apply for AI + Data Science PD Week — Free professional development; applications open now and acceptances sent in February 2026.
- Submit K–2 teacher nominations for new Tools for Teachers lesson development. Contact: Sody Fearn.
Resource Spotlight: Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) in Mathematics
Oregon educators have new tools to support Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) in classrooms, including math. Through Senate Bill 5701, the Oregon Legislature provided one‑time funding for the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to develop professional learning materials that support implementation of Oregon’s Transformative Social Emotional Learning Framework & Standards. This investment resulted in a new TSEL resources housed on the Oregon Instructional Frameworks website.
These resources support educators in embedding TSEL concepts into instructional practice, including math classrooms, such as belonging, identity, agency, and collaborative learning. These practices, in turn, support high‑quality math instruction by strengthening discourse, promoting productive struggle, and reinforcing students’ identities as capable mathematical thinkers.
-
The TSEL Teacher’s Guide: Mathematics is a new, math‑specific resource on the Oregon Instructional Frameworks website designed to help educators intentionally integrate Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) into math instruction.
-
Transformative SEL Resource Hub: Hosted on the Oregon Instructional Frameworks website, this hub provides curated tools and materials to support implementation across classrooms, schools, and communities.
-
TSEL Learning Modules (Educators & Teams): Self‑paced modules designed to help educators explore and apply TSEL concepts in instructional settings, including reflection and application to classroom practice.
-
An expanded resource library provides additional materials to help educators, facilitators, and family and community partners understand and implement TSEL practices.
|
New Opportunity: Oregon Middle School Math Statewide PLC (Grades 6–8)
Middle school math educators are invited to join Oregon’s Middle School Math Statewide PLC, a virtual professional learning community designed to support the implementation of district‑adopted instructional materials in grades 6–8.
Launching in March 2026, this statewide PLC brings together educators from across Oregon to strengthen math instruction through collaborative learning focused on proportions, fractions, geometry, and data reasoning. Sessions are grounded in Oregon State Standards and center ambitious, equitable instructional practices that support student engagement and understanding.
-
First Tuesday of each month
-
4:00–5:00 pm PST | Virtual (Zoom)
-
March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2, 2026
Registration and Questions
Register through PDNetworks:
|
New Resource: Evidence‑Based Algebra Instruction for Middle and High School
This toolkit translates research from the What Works Clearinghouse Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students practice guide into practical, ready‑to‑use professional learning and classroom resources.
-
Clear explanations of the research behind each practice
-
Classroom‑ready instructional strategies and examples
-
Tools for professional learning communities (PLCs)
-
Guidance for school and district leaders to support implementation
|
K-2 Tools for Teachers Lesson Development
Smarter Balanced is resuming its work to develop ELA and math lesson plans for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade for the Tools for Teachers website. These lesson plans will include the same format as the existing instructional resource available in Tools for Teachers with embedded formative assessment and accessibility strategies.
ODE is looking for Oregon teachers to assist in the development of these new lesson plans—specifically, current K-2nd grade classroom teachers with strong expertise in grade-level expectations and experience supporting the unique needs of young learners. ODE would greatly appreciate your help by submitting names for consideration to be included in this collaborative project.
For further details, or to submit the name of a K-2 teacher for consideration, please contact Sody Fearn, K-2 Balanced Assessment Specialist.
AI + Data Science Professional Development Week
AI+DSPdWeek is a free, five‑day professional learning opportunity for educators interested in teaching Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hosted at the University of New Mexico, this immersive week brings together educators from across the country to learn, collaborate, and strengthen instruction regardless of school size, location, or funding level.
Participants choose from five high‑quality programs led by nationally recognized providers, including Bootstrap, CourseKata, DataSpire, YouCubed, and a dedicated AI curriculum designed for both standalone courses and integration into core subjects. Educators may attend individually or as part of a team and explore multiple pathways to support Data Science and AI instruction at their school or district.
-
Cost: Free professional development, housing, and meals are provided. Some travel stipends are available for qualifying teachers.
-
Acceptances will be sent in February 2026.
AI+DSPdWeek is a project of DS4Everyone, funded by the National Science Foundation.
Participate in New National Study of K-12 STEM Education
Horizon Research, Inc. is conducting the 2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Education. Previous iterations of the survey have provided critical data about the STEM education system for the past 50 years. School recruitment is essential to the success of the study but has become very challenging, in part because a growing number of districts now require an internal sponsor or advocate before approving a research study. If you would be willing to be the sponsor/advocate in the event your district is sampled, please complete the form.
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.
The materials contained in the Department of Education’s Oregon Math Educator Update are drawn from both internal and external sources and inclusion of external materials does not necessarily indicate Oregon Department of Education endorsement.
|
