SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois State Board of Education adopted the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan Wednesday.
The plan is a first-of-its-kind statewide framework designed to support schools and districts in strengthening mathematics for students.
The plan provides research-based guidance to help teachers build students’ confidence, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
“Numeracy is foundational to student success in school, careers, and everyday life,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “This plan gives educators the tools and framework they need to ensure all students develop the skills and confidence to engage with math in meaningful ways.”
“I’m proud of the work we continue to do in Illinois to support our educators,” said State Representative Katie Stuart, D-Collinsville, who taught math before serving in the legislature. “This plan takes into account the fact that every student and community is different and equips educators with evidence‑based strategies to develop math instruction that reflects students’ diverse backgrounds and needs.”
The Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan was developed through a process that included a statewide needs assessment, public comment, focus groups, and two rounds of listening tours with educators, stakeholders, and community members.
The plan is organized around three key goals:
- Students will build and apply numeracy skills through tasks that develop reasoning, fluency, and real-world problem solving.
- Educators will use evidence-based numeracy instructional strategies to strengthen students’ mathematical understanding and confidence.
- Leaders will promote a culture of numeracy through targeted professional learning and data-informed instructional support.
The plan calls for:
- Instruction that reflects students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Inclusive classroom practices and differentiated instruction tailored to student learning needs
- A clear, connected plan for how students learn in which teaching, testing, extra resources, and different levels of support all work together to help every student succeed
The Numeracy Plan does not mandate curriculum or specific programs. Instead, it provides a framework that districts can adopt or adapt based on local needs.
The full Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan is available on the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan webpage.
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