Organized by: California Partnership for Math and Science Education (CPMSE)
Purpose: To build a strong, equity-driven network of educators dedicated to improving math instruction and student outcomes across the state through collaboration, shared learning, and system-wide coherence.
What Is a Math Community of Practice?
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a collaborative group of educators who share a passion for teaching mathematics and are committed to continuous improvement through:
- Shared inquiry
- Collaborative lesson study
- Data-informed decision-making
- Equity-centered practice
In a Statewide CoP, educators from multiple districts, counties, and educational organizations come together to build capacity and align best practices across systems.
Core Goals
- Advance Equitable Math Instruction
- Implement culturally responsive, standards-aligned practices (e.g., Common Core or CA Math Framework).
- Strengthen Teacher Leadership
- Develop local math leaders who guide PLCs, coaching, and curriculum implementation.
- Support System Coherence
- Align district-level efforts around instructional materials, assessments, and professional development.
- Foster Collaborative Innovation
- Encourage pilot programs, lesson study cycles, and action research.
Who Participates?
- K–12 math teachers
- Instructional coaches and specialists
- Site and district administrators
- County office of education leaders
- University partners and researchers
Key Activities and Structures
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Convenings | Virtual and in-person meetings for content learning and collaboration |
| Equity-Focused Sessions | Workshops on dismantling inequities in math education |
| Cross-District Teams | Teams from different regions collaborate on shared problems of practice |
| Data Reflection | Use of local student data to identify gaps and monitor impact |
| Leadership Development | Mentoring and facilitation training for teacher-leaders |
| Resource Sharing | Shared tools, tasks, rubrics, and case studies across the network |
Impact and Outcomes
- Improved student achievement in mathematics
- Increased teacher efficacy and retention
- Stronger alignment between district, site, and classroom practices
- Elevated student voice in math classrooms
- Sustainable systems for ongoing improvement
How to Join or Launch a CoP
- Contact your County Office of Education or CPMSE Regional Lead
- Form a cross-role team within your district
- Participate in orientation and onboarding workshops
- Commit to a year-long cycle of inquiry and collaboration
