NCSM NCTM Recap

Illustrative Mathematics

It was great to see so many of you at NCSM and NCTM in San Diego. If we missed you, or you weren’t able to attend, read our NCSM and NCTM round-up below.

We enjoyed the conversations we had with those of you that are using the IM 6–8 Math curriculum and are looking forward to the upcoming release of IM Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 (July 2019) and IM K–5 Math (2021).

Check out some photos and all of the IM presentations below, including Bill McCallum’s The Intersection of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology: Lessons Learned from Implementing and Piloting Illustrative Mathematics’ Curriculum.

Which presentations did you attend and which was your favorite?


IM sessions from NCSM 2019

William McCallum and Nancy Smith

The Intersection of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology: Lessons Learned from Implementing and Piloting Illustrative Mathematics’ Curriculum

This session discussed how curriculum, instruction, and technology should work together to meet the need of all learners. But what does this look like in a secondary classroom? How does a problem-based curriculum provide authentic opportunities for students to use technology tools? Bill McCallum of Illustrative Mathematics, Corrine Williams of Evergreen Public Schools, and Eric Westendorf of LearnZillion brought the lenses of mathematics, instructional leadership, and technology to examine these questions.



Jody Guarino and Kristin Gray?

Coach Using Purposeful Math Routines from Illustrative Mathematics K-5 Curriculum

Do you support teachers who currently use or want to learn how to use mathematical routines to enhance student learning? This session explored a developmentally and mathematically appropriate trajectory of routines that support students in making their thinking explicit.

Link to presentation>>


Kristin Gray, Marni Greenstein, Dionne Samb, and Shelbi Cole

Coaching for Content: The Top 3 Elementary Math Topics That Must be Taught Differently

Since states committed to college- and career-ready standards, we have seen instructional shifts that get to the heart of many mathematical topics. There are particular topics, however, where our approaches have not changed to match the intent of the standards. This session provided insight into common alignment issues for three important elementary mathematics topics, the intent of the standards, and ways to support teachers in developing the mathematical content knowledge necessary to shift their instruction.

Link to presentation>>



Kevin Liner and Jeff Crawford?

Ensuring Equity with LearnZillion’s publication of the Illustrative Mathematics 6–8 Math Curriculum

This session focused on how the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum engages all students in the exploration and comprehension of mathematical concepts. Kevin Liner and Jeff Crawford investigated how mathematical language and content routines provide equitable access for all learners throughout the problem-based curriculum. The session demonstrated how LearnZillion’s digital platform provides efficient structure and tools for teachers to cultivate rich classroom conversations provided by the architecture of the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum.

Link to presentation>>  


IM sessions from NCTM 2019

?Gabriel Rosenberg and Tina Cardone

Levels of Rigor in Proofs Using Transformations

This session allowed attendees to experience a sequence of activities from Illustrative Mathematics that moves students from hands-on experimentation to strategy games to formal proof of SAS, ASA, and SSS using transformations. Gabriel Rosenberg and Tina Cardone broke down the learning trajectory of proof with transformations and discussed the level of rigor that is appropriate for transformation proofs.

Link to presentation>>


Jennifer Wilson and Vanessa Cerrahoglu

Cultivating Agency, Mathematical Understanding, and Language through Math Language Routines

“Mathematics is no more computation than typing is literature”—Paulos. How might we support students in developing a shared vision? This session considered how Math Language Routines both create a need for students to converse with others about math and empower students to share their thinking around mathematical ideas in ways that foster understanding.

Link to presentation>>


Kristin Gray and Jody Guarino

Illustrative Mathematics K–5 Curriculum: Using Purposeful Math Routines

Do you currently use or want to learn how to use math routines to enhance student learning? This session explored a developmentally and mathematically appropriate trajectory of routines that support students in making their thinking explicit. Attendees left with ideas that can be implemented in the classroom, including a set of routines and strategies for implementation.

Link to presentation>>



William McCallum

Taking Modeling Seriously in the High School Curriculum

There has long been wide agreement that students in high school should have an opportunity to apply mathematics to problems in our world requiring research, strategy in choosing models, and interpretation of results. In this presentation, we describe how this recommendation has been implemented in the Illustrative Mathematics high school curriculum.

Link to presentation>>?


Jen Silverman and John Golden

Transforming HS Geometry with GeoGebra: Featuring Activities from Illustrative Mathematics Geometry

New standards have given high school geometry a fresh start. Dynamic geometry software allows activities with more opportunities for exploration and greater accessibility than traditional exercises. In this workshop, we will explore brand-new Illustrative Mathematics high school geometry activities using GeoGebra. Bring a laptop or tablet to join the fun.

Link to presentation>>


Vanessa Cerrahoglu, Sadie Estrella, and Craig Schneider

Mathematical Language Routines: Developing Students’ Voices and Sense Making

This session featured mathematical language routines that support sense making and foster equity and access for all students. These routines help amplify, assess, and expand students’ mathematical language and understanding. Attendees engaged in scaffolded routines that are flexible to support varied topics, grades and classroom environments.

Link to presentation>>


Dionne Aminata Samb before her presentation at #ShadowCon19.



Giveing Tuedsday Heart

Support Free Math Instruction for All Learners

As a nonprofit, we rely on the support of our generous community. Each contribution allows us to reach more classrooms, develop new educational materials, and create opportunities that inspire curiosity and a love for learning.