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Madison board hears teacher training plan for new math curriculum, grading changes

Madison board hears teacher training plan for new math curriculum, grading changes

Rule Changes Madison, WI local

Professional learning presentation covers Illustrative Mathematics, Sown to Grow, and La Follette's standards-based grading

September 14th, 2026: Board hears professional learning presentation

Overview

Updated Sep 15

The Madison Metropolitan School District board heard a presentation on professional learning priorities for 2026-27. The plan covers Illustrative Mathematics, the Sown to Grow social-emotional learning program, and standards-based learning at La Follette High School. The board took no formal action.

The presentation is part of a broader instructional reform effort. How the district trains teachers will determine whether the new math curriculum and grading changes actually reach classrooms.

Why it matters

Teacher training determines whether Madison's new math curriculum and standards-based grading actually change what happens in classrooms.

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Key Indicators

2026-27
Target school year
The school year for which professional learning priorities are being planned.
3
Major initiatives
Illustrative Mathematics, Sown to Grow, and standards-based learning at La Follette.
1
High school piloting standards-based learning
La Follette High School is the site for the standards-based learning effort.

Voices

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People Involved

MMSD Superintendent
MMSD Superintendent
District leader
Overseeing instructional reform
 La Follette High School Principal
La Follette High School Principal
School leader
Implementing standards-based learning

Organizations Involved

Madison Metropolitan School District
Madison Metropolitan School District
Public School District
Implementing instructional reform

The public school district serving Madison, Wisconsin.
La Follette High School
La Follette High School
High school
Implementing standards-based learning

A Madison high school piloting standards-based learning.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Curriculum provider
Being implemented in MMSD

A problem-based math curriculum provider.
Sown to Grow
Sown to Grow
Educational technology company
Being implemented in MMSD elementary schools

A social-emotional learning platform for elementary students.

Timeline

September 2024 September 2026

2 events Latest: September 14th, 2026 · 2 months ago

  1. Board hears professional learning presentation

    Latest Meeting

    Board reviews 2026-27 professional learning priorities covering Illustrative Mathematics, Sown to Grow, and standards-based learning at La Follette.

  2. MMSD adds high school professional learning days

    Policy Change

    District restructures professional learning schedule, adding three high school PD days.

Scenarios

1

Board approves professional learning plan, implementation proceeds

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: District staff and board members

The board formally approves the professional learning priorities at a future meeting, and the district implements the training as outlined. Teachers receive training on Illustrative Mathematics, Sown to Grow, and standards-based learning throughout the 2026-27 school year.

2

Standards-based grading at La Follette faces parent pushback

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Local education observers and parent groups

Parents and students object to the new grading system at La Follette, citing concerns about college admissions, grade transparency, and consistency. The board holds public discussions and may modify the implementation.

3

Implementation challenges delay curriculum rollout

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Education analysts and district staff

Teacher training proves insufficient for the scope of the changes, leading to uneven implementation of Illustrative Mathematics and standards-based learning. The district may extend timelines or provide additional support.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2023-2024

New York City's Illustrative Mathematics adoption (2023)

New York City announced a shift to problem-based math curricula, including Illustrative Mathematics, for its public schools. The city faced challenges with teacher training and curriculum implementation.

Then

Teachers reported insufficient training and materials in the first year.

Now

The city continued the rollout with additional support and professional development.

Why this matters now

Shows the challenges of large-scale math curriculum adoption and the importance of teacher training.

2019-2022

Standards-based grading in San Diego (2019-2022)

San Diego Unified School District implemented standards-based grading, facing parent pushback over grade transparency and college admissions concerns.

Then

Parents protested at board meetings, leading to modifications in the grading approach.

Now

The district continued with a modified version of standards-based grading.

Why this matters now

Illustrates the potential for parent opposition to grading reforms, relevant to La Follette's standards-based learning.

2015-2023

Social-emotional learning program adoptions (2015-2023)

Districts across the U.S. adopted social-emotional learning programs, some facing criticism from parents and political groups over content and implementation.

Then

Some districts modified or dropped SEL programs after pushback.

Now

SEL remains a common but contested component of school curricula.

Why this matters now

Sown to Grow is an SEL platform, and its adoption may face similar scrutiny.

Sources

(2)
MMSD BoardDocs Madison Metropolitan School District