District updates math instruction and construction plans; teachers and students report progress

Marshalltown Community School District leaders used the Nov. 11 board meeting to report progress on math instruction and two major building projects.

Special-education staff described Number Worlds, a research-based intervention that targets number sense for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students. Lisa Pagler, the preschool–six special-education instructional coach, said Number Worlds includes hands-on games, digital building-blocks supports and diagnostic assessments that teachers use to target gaps. "It's explicitly and systematically taught," Pagler said, adding that the program connects IEP goals to lesson levels and provides diagnostic starting points for individualized instruction.

Curriculum leaders also reviewed Reveal, the district's k–12 core math adoption. Erica Fenders, the district's curriculum and professional-development leader, outlined Reveal lesson structure, embedded social-emotional learning and teacher-coaching supports. Franklin principal Tim Holmgren described classroom coaching visits and a debrief process using "Wow, Wonder, What's Next" feedback forms to share practice across teachers.

Students and teachers at the meeting described concrete classroom examples. A first-grade teacher, Laura, described daily number routines that prompt children to "notice" and "wonder" and said the lessons build partner conversations and math vocabulary. Special-education teacher Rebecca Kerr showed games that teach place-value concepts and how the intervention backs into IEP goals.

On facilities, project staff reported that Franklin Field's turf and asphalt base are complete, site paving is done and bleacher/press-box work is underway; the track surfacing was delayed to early 2026 because of weather. The Miller (Bridal) project team said Envision is producing 95% construction documents, select bid packages were released early for procurement, and the main project is scheduled to go out to bid Jan. 13, 2026, with a tentative spring-break start for site staging.

Why it matters Instructional updates show the district is using a multi-tiered approach (reveal core plus Number Worlds intervention) with coaching and external consultants to support teachers. Construction updates indicate the district continues to invest in athletic and building infrastructure while managing weather-related schedule impacts.

What comes next District staff said they will continue coaching cycles, monitor Number Worlds diagnostics and report back on student progress; contract close-out and final procurement steps for Franklin Field and the Miller project will continue into the winter and early 2026 as bidding and phasing proceed.