Mathematics
News & Announcements
Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative
The Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) is a joint initiative among the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The Initiative supports the Profile of a Virginia Graduate by redefining mathematics pathways for students in the Commonwealth to address the knowledge, skills, experiences, and attributes that students must attain to be successful in college and/or the workforce and to be “life ready.”
Just in Time Mathematics Quick Checks are Now Available!
Just in Time Mathematics Quick Checks are formative assessments that 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.”
Learning Disabilities in Mathematics Resources
The Learning Disabilities in Mathematics page includes information and resources, as well as two new VDOE companion guides:- The Students with Disabilities in Mathematics: Frequently Asked Questions-This is a PDF document. 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.
- 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Learning in Place Mathematics Resources
On March 23, 2020
, Governor Ralph Northam extended his order that all public and private K-12 schools in Virginia close in response to the continued spread of COVID-19 for the remainder of the school year.
The Virginia Department of Education’s Mathematics Team has compiled several Learning in Place Mathematics Resources to assist teachers, parents and students during this unprecedented time.
2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Test Performance Analysis
Statewide results on Standards of Learning (SOL) mathematics tests, based on the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and administered in spring 2019, have been analyzed to determine specific content for which overall student performance was weak or inconsistent. These presentations are available and are intended to provide educators with further insight into the mathematics concepts that challenged students statewide.
Standards of Learning
Mathematics K-12 
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Learning in Place Mathematics Resources
The Virginia Department of Education’s Mathematics Team has compiled several Learning in Place Mathematics Resources to assist teachers, parents, and students during this unprecedented time.
Virginia Standards of Learning – Mathematics Tracking Logs
Virginia Standards of Learning Tracking Logs for grades Kindergarten through Algebra II have been developed to assist teachers with determining which standards students have had sufficient exposure and experience with prior to the COVID-19 school closure on March 13, 2020 and to make decisions regarding when and how experience with new standards might occur moving forward. Each log includes space for teachers to check off the standards that had been addressed before March 13 (the initial school closure date), those standards addressed during the closure, and those which have not yet been addressed (by the end of the ‘school year’). In addition, the K-8 Tracking Logs contain potential links to content in the next grade level in an effort to assist divisions should they choose to fold in the content not taught into the next school year grade or course.
- 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
- Discrete Mathematics-This is a Word document.
- Mathematical Analysis-This is a Word document.
Learning in Place – Online Resources
The following list contains a few of the many general online resources that are free to teachers, parents, and students at all times.
| Online Mathematics Resource and Description | Grades K-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
| PBS for Parents - includes activities and games that can be searched by age and topic. | Y | N | N | N |
| Bedtime Math - offers online math problems for parents to do with their kids every day, as well as lively hands-on games. | Y | Y | N | N |
| GregTangMath - provides games, puzzles, and other resources for problem solving and math centers. | Y | Y | N | N |
| Summer Math Challenge - a free program that provides access to daily fun activities and resources designed for your student’s grade and ability level. The 2020 Summer Math Challenge has opened early to support students who are learning at home. | Y | Y | Y | N |
| CK-12 - Online textbook, adaptive practice, and video examples | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| NCTM Illuminations - includes numerous interactives that encourage K-12 students to explore, learn, and apply mathematics. Java‐enabled browsers (i.e., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari) can be used to access them. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Open Middle - presents mathematics problems that end with the same answer, but have multiple ways to approach and solve the problem. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| National Library of Virtual Manipulatives - includes interactive manipulatives and activities for students to explore mathematics. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| PBS Learning Media - includes free interactives, videos, and lesson plans. Also, includes PreK-12 resources for emergency closings. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Khan Academy Math - provides free online lessons. Students only need to create an account if saving their work is desired. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Would You Rather Math - prompts students to construct a mathematical argument for choosing between two or more options. | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| VDOE Desmos Activity Log - includes a spreadsheet for each grade level that lists SOL-aligned Desmos activities with a brief description and direct link to the activity on the Desmos Classroom Activity webpage. | N | Y | Y | Y |
| FigureThis! NCTM - provides activities and mathematics challenges for students and families. Some challenges are also available in Spanish. Tips for parents are provided in the Family Corner. | N | Y | Y | Y |
Learning in Place – eMediaVA Online Playlists
The following chart contains links to playlists of select eMediaVA resources aligned to the Grades K-8 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. Expanded lists of eMediaVA resource collections targeting mathematics are available below.
| Topic | Grade K-1 Playlist | Grade 2 Playlist | Grade 3 Playlist | Grade 4 Playlist | Grade 5 Playlist | Grade 6 Playlist | Grade 7 Playlist | Grade 8 Playlist |
| Number and Number Sense | Grade K-1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
| Computation and Estimation | Grade K-1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
| Measurement and Geometry | Grade K-1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
| Probability and Statistics | Grade K-1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
| Patterns, Functions, and Algebra | Grade K-1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
Learning in Place – Additional eMediaVA Mathematics Resource Collections by Grade Band
Grades K - 2
- Count On It! Series Collection – This video series for grades PreK-3 features two puppets, Blossom and Snappy, who both love finding math in everyday situations. You can often find them shopping, baking, event planning, decorating and visiting attractions.
- Cyberchase Collection – This series of math and environmental videos for grades K-8 sparks curiosity in STEM concepts and boosts problem-solving skills.
- Good to Know Math Video Collection – This digital video series for adults introduces the methods, vocabulary, and processes their child learns at school. These short, clear and fun videos will help to explain math topics that are taught in Pre-K-Grade 4 .
- Peg + Cat Collection – In each 11-minute episode of this animated math-based series for grades PreK-2, Peg and Cat find themselves thrust into the middle of a wacky word problem.
- Sesame Street Math Resources for Early Learners Collection – This series includes mathematics learning for grades PreK – 1.
- Sesame Street Number of the Day Songs Collection – Sing along with The Count from Sesame Street focusing on today's number of the day for grades PreK – 1.
Grades 3 - 5
- Count On It! Series Collection – This video series for grades PreK-3 features two puppets, Blossom and Snappy, who both love finding math in everyday situations. You can often find them shopping, baking, event planning, decorating and visiting attractions.
- Cyberchase Collection – This series of math and environmental videos for grades K-8 sparks curiosity in STEM concepts and boosts problem-solving skills.
- Good to Know Math Video Collection – This digital video series for adults introduces the methods, vocabulary, and processes their child learns at school. These short, clear and fun videos will help to explain math topics that are taught in Pre-K-Grade 4.
- I ♥ Math Collection – This series introduces concepts in grades 4-8 mathematics to build understanding of the “how” and “why” of mathematical problem solving.
- Khan Academy Mathematics Collection – This collection includes exemplary videos that connect to grades 3 - 12 mathematics standards and are designed to provide students with clear understandings of mathematical operations and principles for problem solving.
Grades 6 - 8
- Cyberchase Collection – This series of math and environmental videos for grades K-8 sparks curiosity in STEM concepts and boosts problem-solving skills.
- I ♥ Math Collection – This series introduces concepts in grades 4-8 mathematics to build understanding of the “how” and “why” of mathematical problem solving.
- Math at the Core – Middle School Collection – These media and integrated activities are designed for middle school students in grades 6-8 of diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
- Math Mess Collection – This collection includes everyday problems that require an inquisitive mind, determination and a little number sense to solve. Math Messes can pop up when you least expect them — and in each short, animated Math Mess video, you’ll meet some mathematically-challenged characters who are right smack in the middle of one.
- School Yourself Algebra Collection – This collection includes interactives and videos addressing algebraic topics in grades 4-9.
- School Yourself Geometry Collection – This collection includes interactives and videos addressing geometric topics in grades 6-10.
Learning in Place - VA TV Classroom On-Demand
Blue Ridge PBS, VPM, WETA and WHRO Public Media worked with the VDOE to create VA TV Classroom to provide instruction to students in grades K-10 who are unable to access other distance learning options due to a lack of high-speed internet. These educational programs are also available on demand. Segments from both Learn and Grow With WHRO (grades K-3) and Continue To Know With WHRO (grades 4-7) are now available in eMediaVA. Learning in Place - Suggested Offline Activities to Engage Students
The following list contains just a few of the many resources that are available free to teachers, parents, and students.
Kindergarten - Grade 2
- Graph the types of birds you see in your yard or out your window. (Use tally marks to collect your data and organize your data into either a picture graph or a bar graph.)
- Play Math Card games. An example, Go Fish (try to make pairs that add to 10).
- Measure the length of your bed using five different nonstandard units. For instance, my bed is 14 shoes long, how long is your bed?
Grades 3-5
- Measure the area and perimeter of each room in your home. Which rooms are the largest, smallest? Make a list of when you would need to know the area of a room? Perimeter of a room?
- Build 3 different paper airplanes. Test each to determine which one flies the greatest distance. Measure the distance that each airplane flies.
- Play Math Card games. An example, Fraction War (each person gets 2 cards and forms a fraction with the intent of trying to form the largest fraction).
Grades 6-8
- Pick your favorite recipe and half it. Decide how much of each ingredient you will need to make a treat for your family.
- Find the volume and surface area of different items in your cupboards, such as cereal boxes and canned goods.
- Use a store sales paper to create a grocery list. Then find the total cost of your items with discounts and sales tax included.
- Play Math Card games. An example, Order of Operations, each person picks four cards and uses the rules of order of operations to make a number as close to a certain number.
Grades 9-12
- Calculate the slope of a set of stairs (rise/run) and compare what happens if the height of each step is increased or decreased. Which sets of stairs are easiest to climb?
- Estimate the volume of several irregularly shaped items in your home, using what you know about volume and surface area. What would happen to the surface area if the item were to be cut vertically in half?
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.