November 2025:

Advanced Learning in Mathematics Adoption

Issue 01

Welcome Message

Welcome from the ALMA Leadership Team! We’re excited to share the first monthly newsletter for our network. In these newsletters we will highlight district progress, share upcoming professional learning and networking opportunities, and celebrate our collective work toward advancing high-quality mathematics instruction across San Diego County. We’ll also share upcoming convening information and reminders about the focus of each action period between convenings.

UCSD MP ALMA at CMC-South

Members of the ALMA for SD network recently attended the California Mathematics Council–South (CMC-S) conference. Our teams attended multiple sessions focused on High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) adoption, learning from leaders and practitioners from across the state.

We are sharing slides from our CMC-S presentations and sessions that highlight key insights into adopting HQIM for diverse learners. Each set of slides have interesting takeaways that might suit your individual district’s needs and context.

Upcoming Webinar: Navigating the List

We’re excited to announce an upcoming professional learning opportunity: “Navigating the List: A Playbook for High-Quality Math Adoption for Multilingual Learners and Students of Color.” This webinar will provide practical guidance and strategies for ensuring equitable and inclusive curriculum adoption now that the approved list has been released by the state.

We recommend that each district send one representative from their team to participate in the session.

📅 Webinar Details:
Title: Navigating the List: A Playbook for High-Quality Math Adoption for Multilingual Learners and Students of Color
Date: November 18, 2025 at 3PM PST
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jlvOAfO3Qk6JbXXxCbRciw#/registration

Action Period Focus: Defining Characteristics of HQIM

Our second convening, Jan. 28, 2026, will target Identifying Criteria of HQIM for Material Screening. During this action period, we challenge you to think hard about the question, “What characterizes High-Quality Instruction and High-Quality Instructional Materials?”

As part of our shared professional learning, we strongly suggest that you read and discuss the following CA Math Framework chapters and EdTrust West’s paper on HQIM before our next meeting:

• Consider conducting a jigsaw reading of Chapters 1, 2, and 13 of the California Mathematics Framework with your district team: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 13

• Review the EdTrust West definition of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)

• Revisit and sharpen your Core Values and Vision Statement. For discussion with your advisor: Is, and if so, how well is this Vision Statement helping you in your adoption process planning – including implementation and professional learning?

Advisor Check-Ins

Our ALMA advisors will be reaching out to each district soon to schedule meetings. These sessions are designed to provide tailored support, discuss progress, and identify next steps in your adoption journey.