DCSD MathFest 2026

DCSD MathFest 2026

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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8:30am MDT

Coaching for High Quality Math Instruction: Look-fors and coaching moves using High Quality Instructional Materials

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity full

How can we support teachers in bringing high-quality instructional materials to life in ways that truly impact student learning? In this session, instructional coaches and leaders will explore key look-fors that signal high-quality math instruction aligned to HQIM. Participants will examine coaching moves that help translate curriculum into meaningful classroom practice, with a focus on supporting standards-aligned instruction, student discourse, and conceptual understanding. Through collaborative discussion and applied examples, participants will strengthen their ability to provide targeted, actionable feedback that moves instruction forward.

Speakers

Deanne Kirby

Director, DCSD, Educator Effectiveness

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Room 241 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

8:30am MDT

Designing for Curiosity: Using Universal Design for Learning to Make Math Stick

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How do we design math experiences that spark curiosity and truly last? In this session, participants will explore how the Universal Design for Learning can be leveraged to create inclusive, engaging, and brain-aligned math instruction. Grounded in the principles of engagement, representation, and action & expression, we’ll examine how small design shifts can remove barriers, increase access, and deepen student thinking. Participants will experience and reflect on math tasks that promote curiosity, offer meaningful choice, and support all learners in building lasting understanding—moving beyond compliance to genuine mathematical sense-making.

Speakers

Jana Mustard

CIA Math Coordinator, DCSD

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Room 247 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

8:30am MDT

Making Thinking Visible: Writing as a Tool for Reasoning in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How do we move beyond showing steps to truly understanding student thinking? In this session, participants will explore how writing can be used as a powerful tool to make mathematical thinking visible and strengthen reasoning. Through strategies such as quick writes, math journals, and exit tickets, we will examine how purposeful writing supports sense-making, reveals misconceptions, and advances student understanding. Grounded in the 8 Effective Teaching Practices, this session will highlight how writing can be used to elicit and use evidence of student thinking, support meaningful discourse, and inform responsive instruction. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-implement strategies that elevate writing as a meaningful part of mathematics instruction.

Speakers

Rachel Graham

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Room 243 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

8:30am MDT

Same Task, Different Impact: Instructional Moves that Sustain Rigor in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Not all rigor lives in the task—it lives in what we do with it. In this session, participants will explore how instructional moves can either maintain or unintentionally lower the cognitive demand of high-quality math tasks. Using examples from enVision and i-Ready, educators will analyze how teacher actions during task launch, facilitation, and discourse shape student thinking and spark curiosity. Participants will engage in meaningful math experiences and leave with practical strategies to support reasoning, productive struggle, and a classroom environment where students are encouraged to wonder, question, and make sense of the mathematics.

Speakers

Kristie Krier

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Coordinator, Douglas County School District

I believe in shared leadership focused on synergy, visioning, coaching, learning, pushing boundaries and student agency. My journey includes 25 years in education in multiple roles including classroom teacher, Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Development Coordinator... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Room 245 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

8:30am MDT

Using Algebra Tiles to Build Conceptual Understanding (6-12)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this hands-on session, teachers will explore algebra tiles as a tool for building conceptual understanding across middle and high school math topics. Starting with an introduction to algebra tiles, participants will progress through key concepts including combining like terms, solving equations, multiplying polynomials, factoring, and completing the square. Abstract operations come alive as students discover new ways to represent mathematical processes. Participants will practice problems in collaborative teams while experiencing the facilitation and questioning of a student-centered classroom, and will leave with student-ready lesson materials.

Speakers

Pam Chavez

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Room 249 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

8:30am MDT

Using the POWER cycle to Support Strategic Thinking in Math (K-8)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Looking to help students take ownership of their problem-solving process? Join us for an engaging session on integrating the POWER cycle—Plan, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise—into your math instruction. Grounded in the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) framework, this approach empowers students to become more thoughtful, reflective, and strategic mathematicians. Together, we’ll explore how each step of the POWER cycle can be used to support deep thinking, productive struggle, and clear communication in math. Walk away with ready-to-use tools, classroom examples, and planning strategies to bring the POWER cycle to life in your math classroom.

Speakers

Traci Thorstenson

Curriculum Coordinator, DCSD, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Coaching for High Quality Math Instruction: Look-fors and coaching moves using High Quality Instructional Materials

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How can we support teachers in bringing high-quality instructional materials to life in ways that truly impact student learning? In this session, instructional coaches and leaders will explore key look-fors that signal high-quality math instruction aligned to HQIM. Participants will examine coaching moves that help translate curriculum into meaningful classroom practice, with a focus on supporting standards-aligned instruction, student discourse, and conceptual understanding. Through collaborative discussion and applied examples, participants will strengthen their ability to provide targeted, actionable feedback that moves instruction forward.

Speakers

Deanne Kirby

Director, DCSD, Educator Effectiveness

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Room 241 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Counting on Understanding: Bringing the Beaded Number Line to Life in K–5 Classrooms

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What if a simple tool could unlock powerful mathematical thinking across grade levels? In this interactive “experience it in action” session, participants will engage in high-level tasks using a beaded number line to build deep understanding of number, operations, and relationships aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards for Mathematics. Teachers will step into the role of learners as they explore how the beaded number line supports counting, unitizing, addition and subtraction strategies, and early multiplicative reasoning. Throughout the session, we’ll make explicit connections to grade-level expectations and model instructional moves that spark curiosity, promote discourse, and make learning stick. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tasks, strategies, and a clear vision for implementation in their own classrooms.

Speakers

Jana Mustard

CIA Math Coordinator, DCSD

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Room 247 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Deepening Mathematical Thinking Through the Depth & Complexity Framework: A Catalyst for Curiosity

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) provide a rich, rigorous foundation for our students' mathematical journeys. But how do we take these excellent resources and amplify the natural curiosity woven throughout the math? This session empowers you to use the Depth and Complexity framework to strategically elevate the great materials you already have. We will explore practical ways to prepare your lessons, pinpoint the best opportunities within your HQIM to embed deeper thinking, and clearly connect this work to NCTM's 8 Effective Teaching Practices. Leave with a concrete plan to transform rigorous lessons into dynamic landscapes of mathematical curiosity!

Speakers

Heather Groff

Team Lead, Advanced Academics and Gifted Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Exploring the New High School Math Standards

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Step into a “Standards Safari” as we explore the new 2026 Colorado high school math standards. Participants will unpack selected standards by identifying key mathematical concepts, PLOs, and exemplar tasks, while considering instructional shifts and potential student misconceptions. Together, we’ll capture our thinking in a shared resource, create a one-page “field guide” for each standard, and reflect on how to begin implementation back at our schools.

Speakers

Kim Signon

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Room 249 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Making Thinking Visible: Writing as a Tool for Reasoning in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How do we move beyond showing steps to truly understanding student thinking? In this session, participants will explore how writing can be used as a powerful tool to make mathematical thinking visible and strengthen reasoning. Through strategies such as quick writes, math journals, and exit tickets, we will examine how purposeful writing supports sense-making, reveals misconceptions, and advances student understanding. Grounded in the 8 Effective Teaching Practices, this session will highlight how writing can be used to elicit and use evidence of student thinking, support meaningful discourse, and inform responsive instruction. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-implement strategies that elevate writing as a meaningful part of mathematics instruction.

Speakers

Rachel Graham

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Room 243 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

10:00am MDT

Same Task, Different Impact: Instructional Moves that Sustain Rigor in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Not all rigor lives in the task—it lives in what we do with it. In this session, participants will explore how instructional moves can either maintain or unintentionally lower the cognitive demand of high-quality math tasks. Using examples from enVision and i-Ready, educators will analyze how teacher actions during task launch, facilitation, and discourse shape student thinking and spark curiosity. Participants will engage in meaningful math experiences and leave with practical strategies to support reasoning, productive struggle, and a classroom environment where students are encouraged to wonder, question, and make sense of the mathematics.

Speakers

Kristie Krier

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Coordinator, Douglas County School District

I believe in shared leadership focused on synergy, visioning, coaching, learning, pushing boundaries and student agency. My journey includes 25 years in education in multiple roles including classroom teacher, Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Development Coordinator... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am MDT
Room 245 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

11:30am MDT

Cracking the Code: Using Data and Multi-Sensory Strategies to Strengthen Early Math

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT

Limited Capacity full

What is our data telling us about how our youngest learners are making sense of math? In this session, primary teachers will explore district i-Ready End-of-Year data to identify trends and gaps in student understanding. Together, we will discuss practical ways to address these needs and engage in multi-sensory math strategies that support hands-on, visual learning. Participants will also have time to share ideas and learn from one another’s classroom experiences.

Speakers

Megan Sobeck

Assessment Specialist & School Readiness Coordinator, DCSD, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT
Room 243 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

11:30am MDT

Same Task, Different Impact: Instructional Moves that Sustain Rigor in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Not all rigor lives in the task—it lives in what we do with it. In this session, participants will explore how instructional moves can either maintain or unintentionally lower the cognitive demand of high-quality math tasks. Using examples from enVision and i-Ready, educators will analyze how teacher actions during task launch, facilitation, and discourse shape student thinking and spark curiosity. Participants will engage in meaningful math experiences and leave with practical strategies to support reasoning, productive struggle, and a classroom environment where students are encouraged to wonder, question, and make sense of the mathematics.

Speakers

Kristie Krier

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Coordinator, Douglas County School District

I believe in shared leadership focused on synergy, visioning, coaching, learning, pushing boundaries and student agency. My journey includes 25 years in education in multiple roles including classroom teacher, Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Development Coordinator... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT
Room 245 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

11:30am MDT

Strategies to Promote Math Discourse (6-12)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What if math class felt more like a jam session—where every student’s voice found rhythm and resonance? In this interactive session, we’ll blend Building Thinking Classroom strategies with NCTM’s 5 Practices to spark meaningful discourse and foster deep connection. Collaborate on a rich task facilitated by key teacher moves that build belonging, amplify student thinking, and turn mathematical moments into shared joy. Leave with tools to help students find their voice in the math groove.

Speakers

Pam Chavez

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT
Room 249 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

11:30am MDT

Strengths-Based Teaching in Mathematics

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will engage in learning that makes mathematical strengths visible in student thinking. They will practice reframing feedback to affirm those strengths while advancing learning. The session emphasizes practical strategies teachers can use immediately to support students’ mathematical identity, confidence, and growth.

Speakers

Dr. Faith Peddie

Partner K-12 Mathematics, Cherry Creek Schools

Lori Mallett

PK-12 Partner of Mathematics, OUR Teacher Leader in Residence, Cherry Creek Schools, Open Up Reaources

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT
Room 247 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions

11:30am MDT

Using the POWER cycle to Support Strategic Thinking in Math (K-8)` Part 2

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, a DCSD Professional Learning Specialist will share how she implemented learning from last year’s MathFest to strengthen instruction on her campus. She will highlight how she blended HQIM, the POWER cycle, and Depth and Complexity tools to elevate student thinking, discourse, and problem-solving in mathematics.
Through classroom examples and reflection, participants will see how these approaches can work together to deepen instruction and support student ownership of learning. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for bringing these strategies into their own classrooms and teams.

Speakers

Heidi Neels

Professional Learning Specialist Mountain View Elementary, DCSD, Mountain View Elementary

Traci Thorstenson

Curriculum Coordinator, DCSD, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Lone Tree, CO 80134

Choice Sessions