October 2026 K-12 Monthly Mathematics Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/09/2026 12:55 PM EDT

October 2026

K-12 Mathematics

This newsletter contains current news and announcements impacting K-12 Mathematics in North Carolina public schools. We encourage those of you receiving the Math updates to please share this issue with others who are not currently subscribed to our listserv and invite them to subscribe to the NCDPI K-12 Mathematics Newsletter on the NCDPI Subscriptions webpage.

NCDPI Standards Updates

In This Edition:

• NCDPI Math Standards Updates

• NCDPI: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

• Professional Learning Opportunities:
  
  

  • 2026-2027 NCDPI K-12 Math Content Series

  • Friday Institute: Real Issues, Real Data Session

  • 2026-2027 NCDPI ELA SCOS Webinar Series 

  • 2026-2027 NCDPI ML/Title III Webinar Series

  • Stats&DataNet 2026-27 Webinar Series

• Applications:
  
  

  • NCCAT Elementary Math Learning Leaders

  • 2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)

• Student Opportunity:
  
  

  • NC College Connect: A Simpler Path to College Admission

• In Case You Missed It: NCDPI K-12 Mathematics Virtual Office Hours

• Resources: NC K-12 Math Standards Resource Hub

K-12 Mathematics Standards 

The NCDPI K-12 Math team is excited to announce that during the October 1, 2026, North Carolina State Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted the proposed 2026 K-12 Mathematics Standard Course of Study. This milestone follows a comprehensive review and revision process informed by more than two years of feedback from educators, administrators, families, students, institutions of higher education, business and industry representatives, national organizations, charter schools, and school districts across the state. The approved standards reflect the work of over 70 educators from across North Carolina, including teachers from every grade level, school and district instructional leaders, and faculty representing both math and math education from the NC Community College System and UNC System campuses. The 2026 K-12 Math Standard Course of Study and supporting crosswalks are available below:  

• 2026 K–12 Mathematics Standards

• Crosswalks: Current K–12 Mathematics Standards to the 2026 Standards

The remainder of the 2026–2027 school year and the entire 2027–2028 school year will serve as the installation period for the new standards. The current K-12 Mathematics Standards will remain in effect throughout this period. During installation, the NCDPI K-12 Mathematics Team will collaborate with state, district, and school leaders; educators; school counselors; and other stakeholder groups to provide professional learning and resources to support local installation and implementation. Implementation of the newly adopted standards will begin with the start of the 2028–2029 school year. 

NCDPI sincerely appreciates everyone who contributed time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback throughout the review and revision process. NCDPI will share additional information, resources, and professional learning opportunities through the NCDPI K–12 Math Hub, the NCDPI Mathematics webpage, and the K-12 Mathematics listservs. To subscribe to the K-12 Mathematics listserv, visit NCDPI Updates and select the mathematics newsletters you would like to receive. 

If you have any questions, please contact any of the K-12 Math team members:

Dr. Charles Aiken (charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov):                                                                                        NCDPI Section Chief for Math, Science and STEM

Jennifer Parker (jennifer.parker@dpi.nc.gov).                                                                                                K-5 Math Consultant

Tammy Lackey (tammy.lackey@dpi.nc.gov):                                                                                                  6th-8th Grade Math Consultant

Dr. Lisa Ashe (lisa.ashe@dpi.nc.gov):                                                                                                              9th-12th Grade Math Consultant

Joseph Reaper (joseph.reaper@dpi.nc.gov):                                                                                              9th-12th Grade Math Consultant

Accessibility Updates

On April 20, the U.S. Department of Justice extended the compliance deadline for the ADA Title II web and mobile application accessibility rule. NCDPI's new deadline is April 26, 2027, giving approximately one additional year to meet the requirements.

The extension does not change the work to ensure we meet obligations under the ADA to make documents, websites, and materials accessible. In the short term, the Math Resource Hub will remain available, as will all of the documents currently posted. Over the next year, the team will continue working to address and remediate previously published documents, presentations, and videos. 

To appropriately address ADA requirements, the format and structure of some documents may need to be altered. The K-12 Math team has already addressed the accessibility of the following resources:

• K-12 Standard Course of Study (English and Spanish)

• Glossary

• Math Options Charts

Additionally, the K-12 Mathematics team will be updating the following documents to meet accessibility guidelines in the next few weeks.

• K-5 Mathematics Unpacking Documents

• K-2 Formative Assessments 

• K-2 State Summative Assessments

All of these resources can be accessed by clicking on the following links:

• K-12 Math Landing page

• NC K-12 Math Standards Resource Hub

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to enhance our website’s accessibility for all users.

Section Chief for Science, Math, and STEM - Dr. Charles Aiken, charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov

Professional Learning Opportunities

NCDPI

Fall 2026 K-12 Mathematics Content Series

Information | Join the NCDPI Math Team throughout the 2026-27 school year for an exciting webinar series.  These monthly professional learning opportunities are on high quality practices in mathematics aligned to the NC K-12 mathematics standard course of study. The sessions are intended to be inclusive, interactive, and engaging. 

Participants can earn 2 contact hours per session for attending live sessions and providing reflective feedback. All sessions will be recorded. No contact hours can be earned for viewing recorded sessions.

All sessions are FREE!

Audience | Classroom teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, administrator, district support staff, or pre-service teachers.

Dates and Registration | Register for each session using the links below:

Webinar 1: Developing a Thinking & Reasoning Classroom Culture 

• October 21, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Webinar 2: Teaching for Thinking - The Three Instructional Shifts 

• November 18, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Webinar 3: Teaching for Thinking - Essential Strategies 

• December 16, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

See flyer for more session details!

Flyer

Don't miss this opportunity and please share with teachers and leaders in your area!

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact:                                                                                                    Jennifer Parker, K-5 Math consultant, jennifer.parker@dpi.nc.gov,                                                        Tammy Lackey, K-8 Math consultant, tammy.lackey@dpi.nc.gov,                                                                 Dr. Lisa Ashe, 6-12 Math Consultant, lisa.ashe@dpi.nc.gov                                                                          Joseph Reaper, 6-12 Math Consultant, joseph.reaper@dpi.nc.gov

Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Real Issues, Real Data: Modernizing Mathematics Education in North Carolina

On behalf of the William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, part of the NC State College of Education, you are invited to attend our upcoming Real Issues, Real Data session: Modernizing Mathematics in North Carolina

Data analytics, statistics, mathematical modeling and quantitative reasoning are increasingly important across fields, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping how mathematics is used.

With new mathematics standards approved for North Carolina, our state has an opportunity to rethink how students experience mathematics and prepare for these changing demands.

Join K-12 mathematics teachers and educators, students, industry professionals, higher education leaders and community partners from across North Carolina at the Friday Institute to explore how the newly adopted math standards can support meaningful mathematics learning. Together, we’ll consider how to develop the flexibility, conceptual understanding, and quantitative reasoning students need to solve real-world problems and thrive in their futures. This session was developed in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

• Time: 9 am to 3:00 pm (EST)

• Location: Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (1890 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC)

• Cost: FREE

Keynotes: 

• Dr. Farshid Safi, President of AMTE,

• Dr. Charles Aiken, Section Chief for Math, Science, and STEM Education of NCDPI

Panel: Building the Conditions for Modern Mathematics Instruction: Coherence, Capacity, and Change- Dr. Elena Ashburn, Senior Advisor for education policy for the Governor, Ms. Brenda Berg, President & CEO of BEST NC, Representative Brian Biggs, North Carolina House of Representatives, Dr. Karen McPherson, CTE Section Chief, Digital Technology and Computer Science Education of NCDPI, Dr. Holt Wilson, Director of Institute for Partnerships in Education & Professor of Mathematics Education at UNC Greensboro.

Panel: From Vision to Practice: What Would It Take to Make This Work? Dr. Cyndi Edgington, Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics Education & Undergraduate and MAT Coordinator at NC State University, Dr. Allison McCulloch, Professor of Mathematics Education & Coordinator of Mathematics Education at UNC Charlotte, Ms. Kenya Lawrence, 6-12 Mathematics Specialist in Durham Public Schools, Mr. Rob Leichner, Mathematics Teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Dr. Drew Ware, Principal in Wake County Public Schools.

Breakout speakers will lead topics around data science, mathematical modeling, teacher preparation and professional learning and the National Academies Modernizing Mathematics efforts.

Learn More

Register Now!

Registration deadline: October 15, 2026

For more information, please contact Gemma Mojica, gmmojica@ncsu.edu

NCDPI English Language Arts and Languages

2026 ELA SCOS Webinar Series 2026-2027

Purpose:  Join the NCDPI ELA Team throughout the 2026-27 school year for an exciting webinar series focused on the newly adopted 2026 English Language Arts Standard Course of Study! Each session in this series will spotlight a specific strand of the standards, providing educators with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and prepare for successful implementation beginning in the 2027–28 school year.

During each webinar, participants will

• Gain an overview of the featured strand, including its purpose, structure, and design.

• Explore key resources and unpacking documents to build a deeper understanding of the standards and objectives for that strand.

• Reflect on the instructional shifts needed to support effective teaching and learning aligned to the new standards.

Audience:  Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, school leader, or district support staff, this series will help you build clarity, confidence, and readiness for implementation in the 2027-2028 school year. Webinars are appropriate for a K-12 audience. Come learn, reflect, and plan for the future of ELA instruction together!

Dates and Registration:  Register for each session using the links below:

Webinar 1: Complex Text Strand

• • September 24, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Webinar 2: Foundational Skills Substrand

• • November 12, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Webinar 3: Comprehension Development Strand

• • January 20, 2027 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Webinar 4: Communication and Writing Strand

• • April 22, 2027 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Stacy Daniel, Section for ELA & Languages, stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov

NCDPI ML/Title III 

ML/Title III 2026-27 Webinar Series 

The ML/Title III team is offering a PD Series Unpacking Language Demands in Content Standards to deepen understanding of language development and its role in content-area instruction for multilingual learners (MLs). Participants will explore connections between language and academic standards, analyze language demands in classroom tasks, and develop collaborative planning and instructional strategies. This series supports Principle #2: Strengthen Core Instruction, Priority 1 Key Action for the Classroom in the ML/Title III Strategic Framework. 

Register for upcoming webinars:

• How Language Functions within the Content Area Classroom, December 2, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

• Unpacking Language in Content Area Standards, February 10, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

• Co-planning and Co-teaching Aligned Instruction for ML Success, April 14, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Additional ML Professional Learning

New  WIDA Focus Bulletin on the language for reading

Get a better understanding of how WIDA assesses the language for reading on WIDA ACCESS by exploring our new Focus Bulletin. The Focus Bulletin covers the following topics:

• How language development is assessed in the Reading domain

• Connections between the WIDA ELD Standards and the skills assessed on the ACCESS Reading test

• How the ACCESS Reading test differs from English language arts assessments

New WIDA Snapshots: Strengthening classroom assessment for multilingual learners

Effective classroom assessment can reflect and build on the strengths multilingual learners bring to learning. A new three-part WIDA Snapshot series by Margo Gottlieb highlights how educators can design integrated learning goals, targets and objectives, leverage the power of feedback and enhance their assessment literacy to support multilingual learners’ growth. Read the first Snapshot to learn how language and content goals can work together, and access the rest of the series.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Stacy Daniel, Section for ELA & Languages, stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov

Stats&DataNet

We're excited to announce the 2026 – 2027 Stats&DataNet series of online professional learning for K–12 teachers and teacher educators focused on supporting the teaching of data and statistics.

Sessions will be held on the third Tuesday of September, October, November, February, March, and April at 6:30 PM ET.

During our kickoff session on Tuesday, September 15 we explored ways to transform existing lessons into exemplary ones that emphasize the statistical problem-solving process. In subsequent sessions, you will leave with classroom-ready lessons designed to help students move beyond procedures to genuine statistical reasoning.

Register Now!

A Zoom link for the session will be sent a few days in advance to those who register.

For more information, please contact Donna LaLonde, Associate Executive Director, DonnaL@amstat.org.

Applications

NCCAT Elementary Math Learning Leaders

Become an Elementary Math Learning Leader with NCCAT!

The Elementary Math Learning Leaders cohort is designed to support and grow math leaders who build strong professional communities, foster professional collaboration, facilitate reflection, and drive meaningful instructional change.

NCCAT is currently seeking applications for the Elementary Math Learning Leaders cohort. This unique opportunity brings together a statewide network of passionate mathematics educators committed to leading learning in their schools, districts, and across North Carolina.

This cohort is designed to support and grow math leaders who:

• Build strong professional communities 

• Foster professional collaboration 

• Facilitate reflection and drive meaningful instructional change

NCCAT is looking for educators with a strong background in grades K-5 mathematics, proven experience leading adult learning, and currently employed in a North Carolina district or charter school. NCCAT will select two educators per region.

Key Program Benefits: 

Participants who complete the program will become certified trainers for NCCAT’s K-5 Math Badges. Learning Leaders will gain access to all four badges and be prepared to deliver professional learning in their local contexts. Learn more about the NCCAT K-5 Math Badges on this document.

Program Commitments: 

• Badge Training: Attend the Elementary Math Badge series at NCCAT Ocracoke from   February 16-19, 2027, unless previously completed.

• Leadership Seminar: Attend the Elementary Math Learning Leaders Seminar at NCCAT Ocracoke from April 26-20, 2027

Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Apply Now!

For more information, email information@nccat.org

NCDPI ML/Title III 

2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)

Strengthen Your Co-teaching, Expand Your Impact

Applications are open for the 2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)!

The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites current content teachers who are co-teaching with ML teachers to apply for this statewide community of practice. Individual educators are also welcome and may be matched with another participant.

Approximately 10 selected pairs will:

• Strengthen co-teaching practices using evidence-based guidance.

• Collaborate with educators from across North Carolina.

• Develop classroom-ready resources to share statewide.

• Grow as teacher leaders supporting multilingual learners.

Commitment: November 2026–June 2027, including three MLTN meetings, the Summer Conference, and approximately one hour per week for collaboration, reading, and resource development.

Selected participants will receive sponsorship for approved costs associated with required in-person convenings.

First meeting: One day during the week of November 16–20, 2026

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Apply Now!

Questions? ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov

Student Opportunity

NC College Connect: A Simpler Path to College Admission

Do you know a North Carolina public high school senior? They may already qualify for college admission through NC College Connect—with no essays or test scores required.

NC College Connect offers direct admission to participating UNC System universities, independent colleges and universities, and North Carolina community colleges for students who already meet admission requirements.

Who is eligible?

• Students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher who meet program requirements may receive direct admission to participating colleges and universities.

• Students who do not meet the 2.8 GPA threshold may receive direct admission to their local community college.

How does it work?

Beginning September 15, students can log in to their CFNC student account to check their eligibility. Eligible students will also receive a letter by mail later in September.

Through the NC College Connect portal, students can:

• View the colleges and universities where they have been admitted

• Complete the NC College Connect form to accept an admission offer

• Receive next steps from the college about enrollment, financial aid, and more

Learn more about eligibility, the process, and participating schools at NCCollegeConnect.org.

Not a senior yet? Students can visit CFNC.org to explore colleges, scholarships, financial aid, and other resources to help them plan for life after high school.

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

NCDPI K-12 Mathematics Virtual Office Hours

On Tuesday, September 15. 2026, the NCDPI K-12 Mathematics team, with a special guest from NCCTM, held an office hour for NC Math school and district leaders. This office hour featured information, opportunities, and resources from all groups as well as updates from NCDPI Mathematics team. 

Check out the agenda for access to presentations, resources, and session recording.

Agenda

Resources

NC K-12 Math Standards Resource Hub

The NCDPI K-12 Mathematics team has created a repository to provide a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. The NC K-12 Math Standards Resource Hub houses the standards, communications, and recommended resources related to the implementation of the North Carolina K-12 Math Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS). 

The hub includes:

• K-12 standards and unpacking documents

• Previous PD presentations, recordings, and resources

• At Home Resource Guides for parent/guardians

• Math Options Chart aligned to post graduation plans

• STEM Content Integration

Math educators are encouraged to browse, reference, download, share, discuss, and adapt resources.

Browse the Math Resource Hub

Sign up for K-12 Mathematics Updates

NC DPI Mathematics Consultants

Jennifer Parker

K-5 Mathematics Consultant

(984)236-2842

Jennifer.Parker@dpi.nc.gov

Tammy Lackey

K-8 Mathematics Consultant

(984) 236-2839

Tammy.Lackey@dpi.nc.gov

Dr. Lisa Ashe

6-12 Mathematics Consultant

(984) 236-2840

Lisa.Ashe@dpi.nc.gov

Joseph Reaper

6-12 Mathematics Consultant

(984) 236-2841

Joseph.Reaper@dpi.nc.gov

Dr. Charles Aiken

Math, Science, and STEM Section Chief

Charles.Aiken@dpi.nc.gov

984-236-2837