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Ogden board discusses districtwide math growth initiative, new curricula rollout
Summary
Board members reported a new two-year STEM Action Center grant to support a districtwide math initiative emphasizing effective math instruction, leader learning, classroom observation and equity. The work will align with a phased timeline and coincides with rollout of new literacy and K–12 curricula.
Board Member Bernal reported that the district received a two-year grant from the STEM Action Center to launch a districtwide math growth initiative that will focus on building a shared instructional vision, professional learning and classroom observation. "We have this coordinated effort that we're going to start undertaking," Bernal said.
The plan, as Bernal described it, includes a first-year emphasis on leader learning and shared visioning using Principles to Actions as a framework, professional learning on effective math teaching practices, and focused classroom observations. For the 2026–27 school year (described in the meeting as "year 2"), the district will shift to deepening work with teachers and instructional coaches and building teacher leadership. Bernal said the initiative will also emphasize equity and access and "build STEM identity" so students see themselves as capable in mathematics.
Janine Montgomery, the district's secondary math specialist, presented background to Bernal's remarks and was identified as working with Dr. Lisa Welch Bond on the topic; Montgomery and district staff are coordinating the initiative and state-level contacts about forthcoming standards changes. Adam (recorded in the transcript as present) provided an update on curriculum implementation: the elementary curriculum Amplify was rolled out this year and was described as receiving "overwhelmingly positive" feedback from teachers, and secondary teachers reportedly received the CommonLit360 curriculum that staff said was the curriculum "that they wanted."
The board briefly discussed the state's review of math standards. Bernal and staff relayed that the statewide process is accepting public comment and that state-level approval was anticipated in the coming months; once the state approves standards, districts receive materials, a phase-in implementation year follows, and the subsequent year is used for accountability and assessments, according to staff commentary.
Board members were invited to attend leader-learning sessions, which Bernal said will often be held on Mondays and include topics ranging from leadership development to school plan data dives, talent development, and PBIS/behavior goals.
Why it matters: The grant-funded initiative sets a multi-year, district-level plan to change classroom practice, build teacher leadership and try to shift student math identity — an equity-focused campaign that the district's staff and board describe as connecting instruction, coaching and assessment.
