Numeracy Initiative
The ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® (NYSED) isÌýcommitted to ensuring every student has access to high quality mathematics instruction that provides a strong foundation in numeracy. Numeracy, or mathematical literacy, is an essential skill for 21st Century learners. A solid foundation in numeracy helps students learn to think critically about new information, recognize when past learning can be applied to new situations, and logically evaluate problems to find a solution. It is essential for New York State schools and districts to provide well-rounded numeracy programs that not only build procedural fluency and both abstract and quantitative reasoning skills, but also provide opportunities for students to develop essential competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
NYSED understands the critical role numeracy plays in preparing students for living and working in the 21stÌýCentury. Not only is numeracy a core skill of a wide range of careers, the ability to understand, work with, and communicate through numbers is highly valued in the workplace. Numeracy is essential for making personal financial decisions, understanding and critically evaluating the use of statistics and data presented in research and media, and for evaluating and refining ideas, plans, and solutions to problems.
To support schools as they continue to improve mathematics instruction and outcomes, NYSED has launched a Numeracy Initiative. This Initiative will provide information and resources to support high-quality, culturally responsive mathematics instruction designed to help students to advance their numeracy skills and achieve the expectations of the mathematics learning standards.
K–5ÌýMathematics Instructional Best Practices Guide
The Kindergarten to Grade 5 Mathematics Instructional Best Practices Guide builds upon the practices identified in the PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide and Numeracy Briefs by identifying and elevating actionable, practical, evidence-based best practices and instructional considerations for numeracy and the teaching of mathematics. The guide offers examples of how these practices can be used to address specific Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards and supports reflection and professional learning on instruction for students in grades K–5.Ìý
The Best Practices Guide was written in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and was produced in accordance with . This law requires an annual review of school district curriculum and local instruction to ensure alignment with the practices described in the guide. Districts will need to attest to this alignment by September 1, 2027. More information about this attestation will be made available in early 2027.
Numeracy Initiative ConferenceÌý— October 27, 2026
NYSED hosted a second statewide numeracy conference on October 27, 2026 in collaboration with BOCES, the Big 5 school districts, and the small city school districts. This conference served to spotlight key Numeracy Initiative resources and to introduce the K–5 Mathematics Instructional Best Practices Guide. The conference also included a live Q&A withÌýDr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, creator of the NYSED Numeracy Briefs, who answered questions submitted by participants about the briefs and their implementation into instruction.
Numeracy Briefs
In May 2025, NYSED released a series of eight numeracy briefs that highlight the evidence-based features and best practices of effective instruction in mathematics. The briefs were produced by Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, Professor of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® at the University of Michigan, and TeachingWorks, a project at the University of Michigan. The numeracy briefs are grounded in research, written for educators, and provide specific and useful information to support evidence-based P-12 mathematical teaching practice. The numeracy briefs identify the grade level(s) covered and include references to the New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards and New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® Framework, and citations to research. The briefs focus on key ideas and myths, high-leverage content and practices, key evidence-based instructional practices, and leading for mathematics proficiency.
In October 2026, the briefs were supplemented by a series of Professional Learning and Implementation Resources, including grade-band-specific slide decks and facilitator guides, designed to support professional learning and implementation of the NYSED Numeracy Briefs. Accompanying these materials is a series of asynchronous webinars produced by TeachingWorks that guide educators and instructional leaders in using the resources to facilitate professional learning. Each webinar focuses on a specific grade band, highlighting key concepts from the briefs and demonstrating how the accompanying materials can support their implementation for a targeted audience.
Numeracy Conference – Overview of the NYSED Numeracy BriefsÌý— May 13, 2025
NYSED, in collaboration with BOCES, the Big 5 school districts, and the small city school districts, hosted a statewide numeracy conference on May 13, 2025 to introduce the briefs. The creator of the briefs, Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, served as the conference's keynote speaker and provided attendees with an overview of the evidence-based instructional practices contained in the briefs, as well as answering some questions from conference participants.
PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide
In April 2026, NYSED released the PreK-12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide. This Guide is designed for optional use to support districts in reviewing, selecting, revising, and implementing high-quality mathematics curricula aligned to NY Inspires, the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards, and related state frameworks. In New York State, all curriculum decisions are made at the local level.
PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide Webinar — April 16, 2026
On April 16, 2026, the ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® hosted a webinar on the release of the new PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide. A recording of the webinar, along with presentation materials and a document of answers to Frequently Asked Questions, are provided below.
- Ìý— Recorded April 16, 2026
- PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide Webinar Slides
- PreK–12 Mathematics Curriculum Review Guide Webinar FAQ
Expanded Math Access Program
To support math fluency and the love of math across the state, NYSED’s Expanded Math Access Program (EMAP)Ìýprovides students in grades K–8 with free access to the ®, online, standards-based games and activities. This additional practice supports students in meeting grade-level math fluency expectations and is accessible at school and at home, allowing families to support their child’s math learning. Use of the free math resources is optional and flexible. Schools may use these resources for enrichment/extension, fun summer learning, and/or to supplement/complement current work being done in the classroom.
As part of EMAP, a Statewide Mathematics Tournament is held annually for students in grades 1–8 who are enrolled in First in Math — consisting of a virtual regional competition and an in-person, statewide championship event — which brings together students, educators, and families in a supportive, environment geared toward encouraging students to strengthen and apply their math knowledge and skills.