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Call to Kansas Math Educators!
Do you have an innovative lesson, engaging strategy, or impactful practice that’s making a difference in your math classroom? We want to showcase the amazing work happening across Kansas! The Kansas State Department of Education invites you to share your story and represent your district by presenting to the Kansas State Board of Education. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the creativity, collaboration, and commitment that define Kansas math education. Submit your classroom success today and inspire others across the state! Submission Form
Upcoming College Board Webinars
Upcoming College Board Webinars
Join the College Board for an upcoming professional learning opportunity focused on AP Precalculus on December 1 at 3:30 p.m. Central Time. Learn more about the benefits of AP Precalculus and hear directly from an AP Precalculus teacher about what makes this course an amazing option for Missouri and Kansas students. Presenters will also share insights on course content, classroom strategies, and resources to help schools expand access and support student success.
All upcoming College Board Webinars: College Board Webinars Fall 2025
Assessment Updates
Assessment Updates
You can now create your own Custom Instructional Mini Test with existing Mini Test questions. This option allows educators to create tests with a mix of standards. To get started, you will need to complete the Custom Instructional Mini Test request form that is found in the HELP tab in Educator Portal.
45 Newly Released Instructional Mini Tests in the month of October
You can view all Mini Test that are available in Educator Portal by grade in the following document:
Available Math Instructional Mini Tests by Grade
Check out the newly updated Performance Level Descriptors. The PLDs clearly outline what students know and can do at each achievement level.
Monthly Math Minutes
Monthly Math Minutes
Please join us for our monthly professional development from the KSDE math team. There will not be a meeting in November. The next meeting will be December 16th 4:00 - 5:30. The topic will be: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance with AI in the Math Classroom. We would love to have any teachers, curriculum leaders, and administration join us! Link to Register.
The KSDE Math team wants to know what Professional Learning you want or need for the 2025-2026 school year! https://forms.gle/7HW2Yfgzi7Lx89oy6 to help us deliver the best PD for this coming up school year.
Kansas Academic Standards 2025 (Rebranded Edition)
Kansas Academic Standards 2025 (Rebranded Edition)
The 2025 Kansas Academic Standards document represents a refreshed and rebranded version of the standards adopted in 2017. While the design and format have been updated to improve usability and accessibility, the academic content remains the same. No changes have been made to the expectations, grade-level standards, or learning progressions established in 2017.
This rebranding ensures that the standards continue to be presented in a clear, consistent, and user-friendly format while maintaining continuity for educators, students, and families.
IXL Updates
IXL Updates
New release: Fluency Zone and Raceway (Blog post) The ultimate go-to spot to help students build the key skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Welcome to IXL’s Fluency Zone, an all-in-one hub dedicated to helping learners master math facts!
Beginning-of-year IXL checklist for administrators
Set your year up for success! Use this beginning-of-year admin checklist to refresh and start strong with your IXL setup.
Guide: Using IXL after KAP Mini tests
As your students begin taking KAP Mini Tests, IXL makes it easy to use that data to target gaps and personalize learning. Be sure to check out our brand-new KAP Mini Test implementation guide to support your rollout and make the most of your assessment data!
Monthly Town Halls
Join your IXL Kansas team for a standing monthly town hall meeting where you will learn about IXL’s newest releases, learn tips and tricks for a successful implementation, and even hear from some of your colleagues about their favorite ways to use IXL!
November 19th from 4-5 pm CT
December 17th from 4-5 pm CT
Looking for additional IXL support?
Your Kansas team is here to help make sure you make the most of your IXL implementation! Schedule support with local educational consultant, Alex Cramer (alexc@ixl.com) or send questions to kansas@ixl.com.
KSDE & Service Center PD Opportunities
KSDE & Service Center PD Opportunities
Session Overview: Unlock the power of language in the math classroom! This session explores effective strategies to help students develop and use precise mathematical vocabulary to deepen their understanding and communication. You'll learn how to create a language-rich environment where students confidently read, write, speak, and reason about math.
Location Date Registration
ESSDACK 12/1/25 (Secondary) Link to Register
Orion 12/4/25(Secondary) Link to Register
Greenbush 1/13/26(Elementary) Link to Register
(Girard) 1/22/26(Secondary) Link to Register
Greenbush 1/15/26(Elementary) Link to Register
(Lawrence) 1/19/26(Secondary) Link to Register
Southwest 12/8/25(Elementary) Link to Register
Plains
Smoky Hill 1/26/26 (Elementary) Link to Register
1/22/26(Secondary) Link to Register
KSDE Observation Tools
KSDE Observation Tools
Aligned to the components and language of the KSDE Visions for Quality Instruction, we are excited to share that we have posted observation tools on the KSDE School Improvement Resource Google Site under the Quality Instruction tab. This includes KSDE Observation Tools for ELA, mathematics, and science, with early literacy coming soon. The tools prioritize both teacher actions and student impact with teacher- and student-facing look-fors for quality instruction. The tools also include a one-pager of all indicators followed by note-taking pages. These are not designed to be used as an evaluation tool, but more of an observation/coaching tool.
As you are considering these resources, they reflect a Version #1. We anticipate updating and making small revisions based on feedback this fall. We encourage you to keep that in mind as you are making plans for instructional improvement using these tools. Also, while the tools are important, we also recognize the importance of professional learning on the tools and how to best leverage them later this summer into the next school year. More information about professional learning related to the tools will be shared later.
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Hamlet at jennifer.hamlet@ksde.gov
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do districts need to send in any IXL reports?
A: No, the survey you filled out earlier in the semester is the only data we need at this time.
Q: Does KSDE have a list of suggested math curriculum for districts?
A: At this time, KSDE cannot recommend any specific curriculum. KSDE did do a survey of math curriculum that is being used by districts across Kansas.
Q: Can 8th grade Algebra I count for High School credit?
A: This is local decision that the school board of education for each district will need to determine.
Q: Where are the resources for the KAP mini tests, interims, and summative assessments located?
A: Resources | Kansas Assessment Program (ksassessments.org)
Q: Are the Kansas Math Standards changing for the 2024-2025 school year? If not, when will they be reviewed next?
A: The Kansas Math Standards will not be changing for the 24-25 school year. KSDE has not set a timeframe when the math standards will be updated next.
Q: Is IXL free for the 2025-2026 school year?
A: Yes, IXL will be free again for the 25-26 school year. The future years will be determined on a year-to-year basis.
Q: Are the interim questions rejects from the summative assessment?
A: No, the items on the interims are new and designed specifically for the interim blueprint.
Q: Is the mini test window open all year long?
A: Yes, the mini tests do not have a certain window that they can be accessed. They are free for you to use whenever and however you fill fit for your students.
Q: Can individual whiteboards be used on the Summative Assessment?
A: Yes, as long as the students are spread out and they cannot see each other boards.
Additional Opportunities from Outside KSDE
Additional Opportunities from Outside KSDE
Dear KATM Members,
We are excited to announce the date for the upcoming Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM) Conference!
📍 Where: Wichita State University – Rhatigan Student Center
📅 When: Friday, March 13, 2026
🎯 Theme: Thinking Deeply, Teaching Boldly: Math for All Kansans and Beyond
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration with fellow math educators from across Kansas and beyond.
More details, including registration and session proposals, will be shared soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Wichita this spring!
Warm regards,
The KATM Conference Planning Committee
Grow Your PLN
Grow Your PLN
Math Education Organization
Math Education Organization
Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM)
Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM)
KATM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics whose mission is to foster engaged community to advance effective practices in teaching and learning mathematics throughout Kansas.
KATM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics whose mission is to foster engaged community to advance effective practices in teaching and learning mathematics throughout Kansas.
Update Your Account Information
We want to stay connected with you! Please take a moment to log in to your account at KATM.org and update your contact information. Ensuring your details are current helps us provide you with the latest resources, event updates, and member benefits.
Simply log in, review your information, and make any necessary changes. It only takes a few minutes! www.katm.org
Thank you for being a valued member of KATM.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
NCTM advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.
NCTM advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.
Its Strategic Framework includes Teaching and Learning, Access, Equity and Empowerment, Building Member Value, and Advocacy.
Its Strategic Framework includes Teaching and Learning, Access, Equity and Empowerment, Building Member Value, and Advocacy.
NCSM Leadership in Education
NCSM Leadership in Education
NCSM is the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. Our bold leadership in the mathematics education community develops vision, ensures support, and guarantees that all students engage in equitable, high-quality mathematical experiences that lead to powerful, flexible uses of mathematical understanding to affect their lives and to improve the world.
NCSM is the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. Our bold leadership in the mathematics education community develops vision, ensures support, and guarantees that all students engage in equitable, high-quality mathematical experiences that lead to powerful, flexible uses of mathematical understanding to affect their lives and to improve the world.
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Want to network with other math educators and leaders about Building Thinking Classrooms? Follow Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the author of BTC in mathematics, and you'll find tons of math educators and leaders to collaborate with.
Another great BTC resource is the BTC Facebook page where teachers share tips, ideas, success stories, and ways to address some challenges and struggles.
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