Mathematics
News & Announcements
Timeline for the Mathematics Standards of Learning Review and Revision Process
At the January 27, 2022 Board of Education meeting, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) was authorized to proceed with the review and revision process of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning consistent with the schedule adopted by the Board.
The Mathematics Standards of Learning and the Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework were adopted in 2016 and are scheduled for review in 2022-2023. Refer to Standards of Learning Documents for Mathematics – Adopted 2016 for the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and the Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework documents.
Online Calculator in Mathematics Standards of Learning Assessments
As announced in Superintendent’s Memo 184-21-This is a Word document. on July 9, 2021, the VDOE is adding a final year to the transition period to the Desmos Virginia Calculators. Through the summer of the 2021-2022 school year, school divisions may continue to provide one of the approved hand-held calculators to students taking the online version of the mathematics tests based on the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, students will use the provided Desmos Virginia Calculator within the TestNav application during an online SOL test. Hand-held calculators #184-21 Page 2 will only be used by students completing a paper test or students with disabilities with an accommodation that requires the use of a hand-held calculator.
VDOE Mathematics Update Newsletter
If you are a Virginia Educator interested in learning about mathematics instruction in Virginia, please click this link to subscribe or update your GovDelivery subscriber preferences
to receive Mathematics Updates email notifications from the Virginia Department of Education. 
Includes:
- Standards of Learning and Curriculum Frameworks
- Mathematics Instructional Plans (MIPs)
- Test Blueprints
- Practice Items
Overview
The Mathematics Standards of Learning identify essential academic content at each grade level for sequential learning. The content of the mathematics standards supports the following five goals for students: becoming mathematical problem solvers, communicating mathematically, reasoning mathematically, making mathematical connections and using mathematical representations to model and interpret practical situations.
Mathematics Resources to Support Bridging to New Learning 2021-2022
Addressing Unfinished Learning in Mathematics Webinar Series
The Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE’s) Mathematics Department will be offering a webinar series, Addressing Unfinished Learning in the Mathematics Classroom - Building Bridges for Student Success, for teachers from August 2021 through October 2021
Webinar 1: Addressing Unfinished Learning in the Mathematics Classroom- August 11-12, 2021
Webinar 2: Bridging for Math Strength - August 31 and September 28, 2021
The Part 1 webinar introduced Bridging for Math Strength Resources that will assist in bridging concepts from prior grade level content to the current grade level content. Starting with a focused look at the learning progression, each module helps to identify students’ strengths; and provide strategies to advance mathematical learning through engaging bridging activities (i.e., routines, tasks, and games).
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Bridging for Math Strength Webinar Part 1 - Grades K-2
- Bridging for Math Strength Webinar Part 1 - Grades 3-8
The Part 2 Webinar followed-up to the August 31st session. Participants had the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the research, strategies, and resources included in the Bridging for Math Strength website.
Webinar 3: Using Small Group Instruction to Address Unfinished Learning – October 4 and 14, 2021
These sessions highlighted strategies and structures for implementing small group instruction and using classroom routines to differentiate instruction to meet student needs. Emphasis was placed on the use of formative assessments to identify student strengths and unfinished learning to ensure grade level content is the target of instruction.
Webinar 4: Planning Intervention Strategies to Bridge to New Learning – October 18 and 25, 2021
These sessions built on the information shared in previous webinars of this series. The sessions highlighted how to differentiate mathematics instruction using evidence from formative assessment to identify student strengths, as well as provided actionable ideas on how to effectively structure and implement student intervention.
Virginia Standards of Learning – Mathematics Tracking Logs (2020-2021 School Year to 2021-2022 School Year)
Mathematics Standards of Learning Tracking Logs for grades Kindergarten through Algebra II have been developed to assist teachers in identifying which standards students have had sufficient exposure and experience during the 2020-2021 school year. They may support decisions regarding when and how experience with new standards might occur in the 2021-2022 school year.
- Kindergarten-This is a Word document.
- Grade 1-This is a Word document.
- Grade 2-This is a Word document.
- Grade 3-This is a Word document.
- Grade 4-This is a Word document.
- Grade 5-This is a Word document.
- Grade 6-This is a Word document.
- Grade 7-This is a Word document.
- Grade 8-This is a Word document.
- Algebra I-This is a Word document.
- Geometry-This is a Word document.
- Algebra, Functions, and Data Analysis-This is a Word document.
- Algebra II-This is a Word document.
- Trigonometry-This is a Word document.
- Computer Mathematics-This is a Word document.
- Probability & Statistics-This is a Word document.
- Discrete Mathematics-This is a Word document.
- Mathematical Analysis-This is a Word document.
Bridging Mathematics
Mathematics Bridging Standards documents can be used in conjunction with the Tracking Logs as a support in the identification of content that can be connected when planning instruction and promoting deeper student understanding. Standards are considered a bridge when they: function as a bridge to which other content within the grade level/course is connected; serve as prerequisite knowledge for content to be addressed in future grade levels/courses; or possess endurance beyond a single unit of instruction within a grade level/course.
- Kindergarten Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 1 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 2 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 3 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 4 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 5 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 6 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 7 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
- Grade 8 Bridging Standards-This is a Word document.
Mathematics Resources for Families and Communities
Mathematics Resources for Families and Communities contains a few of the many general online resources that are free to teachers, parents, and students at all times.
Professional Development Resources
VDOE continues to provide professional development for school divisions and teachers to support the implementation of the Mathematics Standards of Learning. School divisions and teachers are encouraged to utilize the professional development resources to improve student achievement through quality instruction.
- 2019 Developing Deeper Learning through Rich Mathematical Tasks – Mathematics Institute – The 2019 Institutes provided teachers and mathematics leaders with professional development focused on the implementation of rich mathematical tasks to support deeper learning opportunities for students and to strengthen locally-designed curricula. The materials from the Institutes have been included for use by teachers and teacher teams.
- 2018 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) Institutes – The 2018 Mathematics Standards of Learning Institutes provided training that focused on implementing the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning; strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics through facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse; and supporting equitable mathematics learning opportunities for all students. A product of the 2018 Mathematics Institutes is a set of online professional development modules designed to be used by a group of teachers of a specific grade level or course, facilitated by a member of the team.
- 2017 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) Institutes – VDOE provided professional development for school divisions and their teachers to support implementation of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework. VDOE professional development resources support the use of high leverage mathematics teaching practices.
- 2009-2014 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) Institutes – VDOE has provided targeted professional development through Mathematics Institutes since 2009. These institutes focused on the 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning and were framed by the five process goals for students of becoming mathematical problem solvers, communicating mathematically, reasoning mathematically, making mathematical connections, and using mathematical representations to model and interpret practical situations.
Mathematics Instructional Resources
In addition to the standards, curriculum frameworks, test blueprints and released tests, other instructional resources include:
- Algeblocks Training – online training for teachers who either need an introduction to the use of Algeblocks or need to reacquaint themselves with the manipulative
- Algebra Readiness Initiative – information to prepare students for success in algebra
- Bridging for Math Strength Resources - These resources, created in partnership with George Mason University, the VDOE, and a cadre of Virginia teachers and specialists, provide strength-based formative assessment tools and instructional modules to support K-8 mathematics instruction. These materials will assist educators in bridging prior concepts to new concepts, serve as a tool to help identify students' strengths, and provide strategies to advance mathematical learning through engaging bridging activities (i.e., routines, tasks and games).
- Correlation between VASOL and CCSS-This is an excel spreadsheet. – This spreadsheet contains a draft of the correlations between the Kindergarten through Algebra II - 2016 Virginia Standards of Learning (VASOL) for Mathematics with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics. This correlation has been created to support educators across the Commonwealth as they attempt to utilize materials that may only designate CCSS alignment. All VASOL and CCSS, as well as Virginia Process Goals and CCSS Mathematical Practices, are linked throughout the spreadsheet to allow for ease of cross-referencing.
- Co-teaching Mathematics Instructional Plans – These plans utilize the six common co-teaching approaches, and contain suggestions as to how co-teachers can effectively utilize the expertise of each teacher to enhance lessons and activities in a co-taught classroom. These co-teaching plans were created and modified by a select group of Virginia teachers participating in the Excellence for Co-teaching Initiative. These plans align instruction with the expectations of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning, and were vetted by VDOE content and special education specialists.
- Desmos Online Calculator and Related Resources – Desmos offers so much more than just a calculator that is accessible online. Desmos has developed a bank of mathematics classroom activities located at Desmos Classroom Activities Desmos Classroom Activities that support and enhance classroom instructional practices utilizing the Desmos calculators. During the past two years, a group of Virginia educators has created the
Virginia Department of Education Desmos Activity Log-This is an excel spreadsheet. which contains activities that have been aligned to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. This log, an Excel spreadsheet, contains a tab for each grade-level/mathematics course from Kindergarten through Algebra II. Each grade level sheet includes a list of SOL-aligned Desmos activities with a brief description and direct link to the activity on the Desmos website.
- Instructional Videos for Teachers – videos provided as support for the implementation of the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- Just in Time Mathematics Quick Checks – These formative assessments align to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL). These resources, developed by Virginia teachers and mathematics leaders, are designed to help teachers identify students with unfinished learning and assist in planning instruction to fill potential gaps “just in time.” As new content is introduced throughout the school year, teachers can use these Quick Checks to identify and diagnose unfinished learning at grade level and/or to assess understanding of prerequisite knowledge that may be needed to access grade level content. Student gaps in mathematics understanding exist for a variety of reasons and these resources can be used to help get student mathematical learning back on track.
- K-3 Mathematics Achievement Sample Records – Schools maintain a record of achievement in mathematics for each K-3 student to monitor progress and to promote achievement on third-grade SOL tests. This record accompanies a student who transfers to a new school.
- Learning Disabilities in Mathematics – This page includes information and resources, as well as two new VDOE companion guides:
- The Evidence-Based Specially Designed Instruction in Mathematics Resource Guide-This is a PDF document. provides an overview of evidence-based instructional strategies that educators can utilize to support students with mathematics disability or difficulty at any grade.
- The Students with Disabilities in Mathematics: Frequently Asked Questions-This is a PDF document.is companion to the Evidenced Based Specially Designed Instruction in Mathematics Resource Guide listed above. This document provides an overview of the characteristics of mathematics disability, as well as information about accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology that can support a student with a disability in mathematics.
- Mathematics Capstone Course Information – Guidance documents and links to instructional resources
- Mathematics Instructional Plans – formerly known as Enhanced Scope and Sequence Lessons, are now available for Grades K-8, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Algebra, Functions and Data Analysis. These instructional plans include updated 2009 documents, as well as newly developed instructional plans aligned to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. The Mathematics Instructional Plans assist teachers in aligning instruction with the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning by providing examples of how the knowledge, skills and processes found in the SOL and Curriculum Framework can be presented to students in the classroom.
- Mathematics Vertical Articulation Tool (MVAT) – This tool provides support in identifying concepts aligned to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) that articulate across mathematics grade levels or courses.
- Mathematics Vocabulary Word Wall Cards (K-8, Algebra I, Geometry, AFDA, and Algebra II) – provide a display of mathematics content words and associated visual cues to assist in vocabulary development.
- Rich Mathematical Tasks – (K-8, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) These resources are provided to support teachers in implementing the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to not only use these tasks with their students, but also to endeavor to implement them with fidelity by utilizing the detailed information provided in the task implementation templates.
- Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program - a multi-dimensional kindergarten readiness assessment that complements the existing assessment of students’ literacy skills, using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS), with assessments of students’ early mathematics, self-regulation, and social skills.
- The purpose of the VKRP is for school divisions and the Commonwealth to have a more comprehensive understanding of students’ critical school readiness skills at kindergarten entry. Schools, divisions, and state leaders can use readiness data to prioritize individual student needs and target programs, resources, and professional development opportunities for teachers.
- In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that requires all kindergarten students be assessed using the VKRP by the end of the 2019-2020 school year and annually thereafter (HB5002, Item 128, H.).
Technology & Mathematics Resources
- Desmos
- Texas Instruments – Education Technology
- Casio Education
- Geogebra – graphing utility and geometry tool
- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
- NCTM Illuminations (some content intended for teacher use may be restricted to NCTM members only)
- You-Cubed
- Illustrative Mathematics
Professional Organizations
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM)
- Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (VCTM)
- Virginia Council for Mathematics Supervisors (VCMS)
- Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists (VACMS)
- Virginia Math and Science Coalition (VMSC)
Award Programs
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching – The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
- William C. Lowry Math Educator of the Year – Each year the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics recognizes a classroom teacher on the elementary, middle, secondary, university, and mathematics specialist/coach level for his or her outstanding work and accomplishments in the teaching of mathematics.