Every mathematics education leader will find themselves at one point or another responsible for leading and/or supporting the adoption and implementation of curriculum materials. This process often involves having to make important decisions about materials and instructional beliefs that will permeate through classrooms, schools, and districts, ultimately shaping students’ instructional experiences. By no means is this a process to be taken lightly; the future of our students is dependent on these types of decisions. Over the last year, NCSM has worked diligently to provide our membership with supports in navigating these moments. Here are two new resources available to support the work of mathematics educators.

Teaching and learning cannot be distilled into single studies or one-size-fits-all claims about “what works.” As conversations about math education grow louder, NCSM remains committed to a vision grounded in equity, collective expertise, and high-quality research. NCSM’s newest position paper “Strengthening Research-informed Decision Making for Mathematics Education” offers a balanced, research-informed alternative — one that honors the nuance of classrooms and the lived experiences of learners and educators.

Responsible leadership means engaging with research thoughtfully, not simplistically. In this position paper, we uncover examples of how misinterpretation and misuse of research coupled with catchy labels can have dire consequences for mathematics classrooms. When not challenged, these consequences include acceptance of policies and practices that, at best, do not benefit students and, at worst, do academic harm by requiring students to all learn mathematics a particular way. You can access this Position Paper, and all of NCSM’s Position Papers, under the Leadership Resources tab at our website, mathedleadership.org. We would like to thank the following organizations for their support as signatories:
https://www.mathedleadership.org/position-papers/)

• American Association for of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• Association of Mathematics Teacher Education (AMTE)
• Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM)
• Benjamin Banneker Association
• Better Math Ed.org
• Charles A. Dana Center
• COMAP
• Students Achievement Partners
• TODOS
• You Cubed

The NCSM Board is actively engaged in the complex process of developing a toolkit for instructional leaders that will ultimately support them to select and implement high-quality instructional materials for mathematics (HQIM-M) that align with the needs and vision of their school, district, or region. The HQIM-M toolkit will consist of four phases of varying lengths and will include resources (e.g., videos, facilitator guides, slide decks, and reproducibles) to help leaders facilitate each phase. The phases are: Foundational Work, Planning for Review, Review and Selection, and Implementation. Phase one is currently available on our NEW learning management platform, which you can access at ncsmlearns.org.

Read below for more insight on Phase One
Phase One: Foundational Work
The initial step in the process of selecting and implementing HQIM is to engage in foundational work that will provide direction throughout the process. This phase includes:
• Articulating a vision
• Creating stakeholder groups
• Developing a strengths and needs assessment
• Considering state/district policies and processes
In this phase, leaders will articulate a vision for mathematics teaching and learning that will support the work of analyzing, selecting, and implementing HQIM. The unique vision will serve to create a customized rubric for a stakeholder group to apply to curricular resources and
inform goals for professional learning. Selecting HQIM is responsive to the needs of the context (the school, parish, region, district, state). As such, it is critical that the stakeholder group takes stock of both quantitative and qualitative data as they plan for the process.

NCSM will remain committed to listening to the needs of our membership and mathematics education community at large, and welcome your feedback and insight.

— Dr. Brian Buckhalter, NCSM President

NCSM's vision is to be the premier mathematics education leadership organization, ensuring all students have access to high-quality, equitable mathematical experiences that empower them to use mathematics effectively and improve the world.

A Year Long Celebration of Mathematics

This national celebration and campaign aims to reignite America’s appreciation for mathematics. By targeting a broad, nationwide audience, the initiative engages people to experience the beauty, relevance, and potential of math in profound ways. The Year of Math invites individuals of all backgrounds to explore the subject without fear of judgment or failure.

Learn more at theyearofmath.org

The International Day of Mathematics

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14, all countries will be invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces.

Free NCSM Virtual Webinar- Open to All!

Join the NCSM Regional Directors for a virtual conversation on our newest position paper: Strengthening Research informed Decision Making for Mathematics Education.

This open session invites educators, leaders, and researchers (members and non-members) to reflect, discuss, and ask questions about how we use research responsibly in mathematics education.

March 19 | 6-7 ET - Register: bit.ly/4tbw3yG

Let's think together about research, leadership, and decision-making in math education.

Summer Leadership Academy

For mathematics leaders seeking inspiration, clarity, coherence, and actionable next steps. The Summer Leadership Academy will be in Austin, TX June 16-18.

Facilitated by NCSM Professional Learning Directors Judy Carlisle Dunmire and Michael Greenlee.

Day 1: Clarifying Instructional Vision and Leadership Focus

Day 2: Using Evidence, Improvement Cycles, and Coaching to Support Change

Day 3: Walkthroughs, Synthesis, and Leadership Action Planning

What to Expect

• Intentional leadership for instructional demands
• 2.5-day immersive, in-person Leadership Academy
• For math leaders, classroom, district , and beyond
• Grounded in NCSM Essential Actions Series
• Clarify high-quality, culturally relevant math instruction
• Gather meaningful evidence of teaching and learning
• Design actions for sustained instructional improvement
• Leave with vision, tools, and an actionable plan

Register online now!

Connect, Learn, and Lead at the NCSM Affiliate Leaders’ Conference

NCSM invites leaders and board members from its Affiliate organizations to join us for the second annual NCSM Affiliate Leaders’ Conference, taking place June 30 – July 1, 2026 in Orlando, FL.

This event brings together affiliate leaders from across the NCSM community to collaborate, share ideas, and discuss effective practices for supporting and strengthening affiliate organizations. Participants will have opportunities for networking, discussion of leadership strategies, and dedicated time to connect with colleagues working in similar roles across the country.

We hope you will join us for this valuable opportunity to learn from and with other affiliate leaders.

Learn More & Register here by June 5th: 

https://www.mathedleadership.org/ncsm-affiliate-leaders-conference/

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

We highly value the relationship we have forged with sponsor organizations and companies over the years. They share our passion for mathematics education and each of their educational visions complements NCSM’s mission and vision for mathematics education leadership.

On behalf of NCSM members, we thank our sponsors for their generous contributions. Click the logos below to learn more about our sponsors.