April is Autism Acceptance Month. This month, we reaffirm a core commitment in Oregon mathematics education that every very learner belongs in mathematics. By embracing neurodiversity, we strengthen our classrooms, broaden our understanding of mathematical brilliance, and advance the Oregon Math Project Cornerstones of Belonging and Engagement.

Belonging matters because students learn best when educators trust them as thinkers and value who they are. Research on disability and mathematics shows that many students labeled as “struggling” demonstrate strong reasoning when classrooms honor multiple ways of thinking, communicating, and representing ideas. When students experience belonging, they take intellectual risks and see themselves as mathematicians.

Engagement grows when mathematics invites curiosity, collaboration, and sense making. Instruction that centers student thinking, discourse, and authentic problem solving increases engagement for all learners, including autistic students and students with other disabilities.

This month, we highlight research grounded resources that support inclusive and meaningful mathematics instruction.

• Drawing on the work of Rachel Lambert, Universal Design for Learning offers a research-based approach that reduces unnecessary barriers and allows students to focus on reasoning, modeling, and making connections. Related resources are available through the Math Coaching and Leadership Network (MCLN), including materials from a completed book study that remain accessible on the MCLN Choice Board.
• High Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities, developed by the CEEDAR Center at the University of Florida, emphasize strong core instruction, purposeful use of supports, and collaboration among educators.
• Additional Autism Spectrum Disorder resources are available on the Oregon Department of Education website and Southern Oregon ESD to support inclusive services statewide.

Together, these resources support a shared vision that all students are capable of deep mathematical sense making. When we design math classrooms that honor neurodiversity, we expand access, strengthen belonging, and increase meaningful engagement for everyone.

Photo by Alexander Lyashkov on Unsplash

ODE and Smarter Balanced Assessment Recruitment: ELA and Math Grades 3 - 8 and High School

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has partnered with Smarter Balanced for the continued development of new Summative Test items. There will be opportunities to participate in ELA Reading Passage Review, Math Rangefinding and calibration, and both ELA and Math Data Review.

NEW this year’s application is the opportunity for educators to indicate which events they are interested in participating in (Select all that apply).

Content Development Dates - Virtual Meetings:

Anticipated educator involvement opportunities in 2026 are listed below:

• ELA and Math Data Review: Early June
• ELA Passage Review:July 13 - 15
• Math Rangefinding: July 20 - 23
• ELA CAT Item Review: August 11 - 13
• Math Item Review: September
• ELA PT Item Review: October 6 - 8 

Information on the Smarter Balanced Educator Recruitment website also includes an FAQ page. Educators who might have additional questions about the recruitment process can complete the Smarter Balanced Contact Us Form. 

After selecting and confirming the participants, Smarter Balanced will work with participants to coordinate virtual attendance. Participants will receive training and all relevant digital materials to support item development. The meetings are expected to occur on Zoom and accessibility accommodations will be available for participants. 

For support navigating the online application, please contact Tony Bertrand, ELA and Social Sciences Assessment Specialist or Jennifer Bell, Mathematics Assessment Specialist with the Oregon Department of Education.

OSAS Math Testing Window Now Open in Grades 3 – 8 and 11

The statewide administration window for the OSAS Math Tests is now open for grades 3 – 8 and 11. Most Oregon students will take a statewide summative math test that is aligned with Oregon’s 2021 K-12 Math Standards and adaptive, meaning the cognitive challenge of each item adjusts to each student’s performance. This online test can be administered in-person (for most students) or remotely (for schools that primarily use online delivery). To learn what will be on this test at each grade level, reference the OSAS Math Test Blueprints. To connect Oregon’s statewide summative test to your classroom assessment practices, reference the OSAS Target Explorer (Excel file). Students who experience the most significant cognitive disabilities will take Oregon’s alternate test, the Oregon Extended, which is administered in-person.

As a reminder, prior to beginning a test session, verify that appropriate student accommodations and supports have been accurately set in the OSAS Portal. See the Oregon Accessibility Manual for more information about accommodations and supports. Please contact your Regional ESD Partner or District Testing Coordinator with any questions regarding test administration.

SEED Survey Resources

The Student Educational Equity Development (SEED) Survey is offered annually to students in grades 3-11 across Oregon.  These surveys are designed to gather information about the educational experiences of students. This information helps to provide a holistic picture of public education systems in Oregon. There are new resources on the ODE SEED Survey Web Site, including two math lesson plans: one for grades 3-5 and one for grade 6-11, under “Data Use Professional Learning.” Learn more at the next OCTM/ODE Afternoon Learning Session!

Oregon Middle School Math Statewide PLC

A virtual statewide PLC for middle school math educators began March 3, 2026. The PLC supports teacher collaboration, strengthens instructional practice, and promotes equitable and ambitious math teaching.

Meeting Schedule

• First Tuesday of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PST
• Upcoming dates: May 5, June 2

Why Join

• Align curriculum with Oregon math standards
• Engage in ambitious math teaching practices that support discourse and equity
• Increase rigor through lesson revision
• Collaborate with educators statewide and access a shared resource hub

Questions Contact Heather Armstrong at heather_armstrong@soesd.k12.or.us.

Save the Date: 2026 Oregon Math Leader Conference

The Oregon Math Leaders Conference is happening again this summer!

Save the Date: August 4-6, 2026 - Corvallis, Oregon - hosted by Oregon State.

TOTOM: August 4-5, 2026

OML: August 5-6, 2026

Chase Orton, author of The Unfinished and Imperfect Math Teacher, is the keynote speaker on Wednesday, August 5 and all conference participants will receive a copy of his book!

Prepare for Registration: Scholarships are available for OCTM members and TOMT contributors, and you are encourage to apply. Additionally, consider speaking with your administrator about potential district-supported funding. Conference Registration will open no later than May 1, 2026.

Northwest Mathematics Conference

The 65th Annual Northwest Mathematics Conference will take place October 9–10, 2026 at the Columbia River Holiday Inn in Portland, Oregon. The conference website provides registration information, keynote and featured speaker listings, and event updates.

• Educators are encouraged to review event details and seek permission to attend early.
• An OCTM scholarship option is available through the organization’s website, offering financial support for eligible educators interested in attending.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired and learn the most up-to-date strategies to support your students!

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 virtual meetings will continue to take place on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM on Zoom.  Register now for the 2025-26 Virtual OML Network Meetings.