Why California Must Prepare for New Math Curriculum Now

Don’t wait for the 2025 California list to begin your K–12 math curriculum adoption process — act now to ensure your district is ready to select new materials.

This blog is in collaboration with EdReports.

In 2023, California’s Department of Education introduced a revised Mathematics Framework designed to improve math instruction statewide​. The framework lays out instructional best practices and signals the release of a new list of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) eligible for adoption, expected to be released in November 2025.

However, districts should not wait for that list to begin their adoption process. Waiting could delay your district’s ability to provide the best possible instruction. The groundwork for adoption can and should start now. Here are five reasons why getting a head start will benefit your district.

1. Successful Adoption Takes Time

A thoughtful adoption process requires time and planning. Districts that start the process early are more likely to have a smoother transition when they officially adopt new K–12 math materials. Instructional materials adoption doesn’t just mean selecting new books or digital platforms; it involves gathering input from educators, creating an adoption committee, ensuring all stakeholders have a voice​, and planning for both upfront and ongoing professional learning.

One critical step is assembling a diverse adoption committee that includes teachers, administrators, and community representatives. This group should work together to assess current needs and identify the specific priorities for the new math instructional materials. Allowing ample time for this process ensures that no voices are left out and that the materials selected truly reflect the district’s needs​.

By beginning now, districts can also ensure they align their adoption process with broader district initiatives and goals, such as equity, inclusion, and 21st-century learning​. This alignment will create a more cohesive and successful transition to new instructional materials.

2. Begin Professional Learning Today

The 2023 California Math Framework calls for an increased focus on equitable and engaging teaching practices​. Preparing educators to align with these goals requires professional development, and this process should begin well before new math materials are selected​.

Districts that prioritize professional learning early will be better equipped to implement the new K–12 math curriculum successfully. Teachers and instructional leaders can begin by familiarizing themselves with the Framework through internal book studies or workshops focused on key elements​.

Consider engaging your educators in professional learning around the key components of the framework, such as inquiry-based learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, and the purposeful integration of the Standards for Mathematical Practice, which act as the “how” for learning. Early professional learning gives educators the tools they need to ensure that the selected materials will be used effectively.

By investing in professional learning now, districts can avoid the rushed, last-minute training sessions often accompanying new material rollouts​. Instead, they can provide ongoing support to ensure educators are fully prepared to implement new HQIM from day one.

3. Engage Your Community Early

Successful adoptions happen when districts engage all stakeholders early in the process. This includes teachers, administrators, students, families, and community members​. Their input is crucial in ensuring the selected math curriculum meets the diverse needs of your district.

Start by conducting a thorough review of your current K–12 math materials. What do your teachers think is working well? What do they believe could be improved? Gathering feedback from multiple perspectives, including surveys, focus groups, or town hall meetings, will help ensure the adoption process is inclusive and responsive to the community’s needs​.

This feedback will also guide the creation or refinement of your district’s instructional vision. A strong instructional vision should reflect both the district’s academic goals and the values of the community it serves​. The instructional vision will act as your North Star throughout the adoption process, helping your district identify its local priorities for instructional materials and ensuring the selected HQIM reflect your district’s needs in realizing its vision.

4. Make Data-Driven Decisions

A critical first step in preparing for new instructional materials is assessing your district’s current needs. This means collecting data on student performance, teacher experience, and available resources. A clear understanding of your district’s strengths and areas for growth will help guide the adoption process and ensure you select a math curriculum that meets your students’ needs​.

Use this data to inform your instructional vision and set clear priorities for the new curriculum. For example, if your district has a high percentage of multilingual learners, you might prioritize math materials with strong language supports​. If your district’s data shows significant opportunity gaps, you may need materials that offer differentiated instruction to meet students at varying levels​.

By starting now, districts will have the time to collect and analyze a variety of data thoroughly and use it to inform every stage of the adoption process—from setting goals to evaluating potential K–12 math materials​. This approach ensures that the new HQIM will directly address the needs of your district and drive student success.

5. Start Surveying What High-Quality Options Are Available

Since the last California math adoption list in 2014, the landscape of instructional materials has evolved. Many districts still use older materials, but those exploring new options today will find many high-quality resources. EdReports has reviewed nearly 100 percent of the comprehensive K–12 math materials market, with many products meeting expectations for standards alignment and other quality indicators.

Choosing an updated math curriculum will allow your district to provide students with the most recent evidence-based instructional practices that better meet state standards and your district’s instructional goals. Starting your research now also gives you the flexibility to evaluate various programs and ensure the best fit for your students’ learning needs​.

For example, districts using older materials may not have access to resources that reflect current equity-focused instructional shifts or incorporate technology to enhance student engagement​. Modern HQIM better align with the California Department of Education’s (CDE) goal of fostering deeper learning through inquiry-based approaches and culturally relevant pedagogy​.

Get Ahead of the Curve—Start Preparing for HQIM Now

Waiting for the next California adoption list might seem reasonable, but districts that begin preparing now will better position themselves for success. By prioritizing professional learning, engaging the community, gathering key data, and surveying the current curriculum landscape, your district can set the stage for a smooth and effective transition to new instructional materials.

Explore resources from EdReports and CalCurriculum to get started on your HQIM journey​.