Our moral obligation to improve instructional practices

The 2023 California Mathematics Framework presents a transformative approach to math instruction, grounded in the latest research on student learning and equity. However, many teachers remain unaware of its recommendations because they have not had the time or opportunity to engage deeply with the document. At over 1,000 pages, the framework is an overwhelming read, and most teachers—and even district instructional coaches—have not read it in its entirety. Without proper guidance, the framework’s groundbreaking ideas advocating for mathematical equity for ALL students may never reach the classrooms where they are needed most. Yet, as educators, we have a moral obligation to ensure that students receive the highest quality mathematics instruction possible.

For schools and school districts that do not have the internal capacity (or the will) to read the framework and begin the difficult task of implementing its findings, hiring the Merced County Office of Education Math Team – who specialize in the framework – ensures that teachers receive structured, expert-led professional development, allowing them to understand and implement these research-backed strategies effectively. We employ our Comprehensive Improvement Plan which starts with defining what ambitious instruction looks like in your community, and then utilize curriculum-based professional learning and the principles of andragogy—adult learning theory—to ensure that teachers engage in meaningful, high-quality professional growth that directly connects to their instructional materials and classroom practices.

We provide an outside perspective and expertise that school leaders and in-house instructional coaches may not have the capacity to provide. Even instructional coaches, who are tasked with supporting teachers, have not had the time to fully digest the framework’s vast content and translate it into actionable strategies. The MCOE Math Team, however, have dedicated themselves to understanding and applying the framework’s key principles, allowing us to model high-impact instructional strategies in actual classrooms with actual students to provide teachers with clear examples of how to engage students in richer mathematical thinking.

We design a workshop→demonstration→coaching model to address teacher concerns, build buy-in, and create a collaborative environment where educators feel supported as they transition to new instructional methods. By grounding training in curriculum-based professional learning, we help teachers make immediate, practical shifts in their teaching using the materials they already have, rather than overwhelming them with abstract concepts.

Moreover, because we all live in the Merced County area, we are uniquely able tailor support to the unique needs of each school or district, offering workshops, coaching sessions, and demonstration lessons that align with specific challenges teachers face. Applying principles of andragogy, our coordinators design sessions that respect teachers as professionals, acknowledging their existing knowledge while guiding them through the learning process in a way that is engaging and directly applicable. Teachers are more likely to embrace change when they see practical applications of new ideas rather than just reading about them in a document. By investing in the type of professional learning the MCOE Math Team provides, administrators ensure that the framework’s principles are not just acknowledged but actively integrated into daily instruction, improving student outcomes in mathematics. Implementing these best practices is not simply an option—it is a responsibility. Students deserve instruction that is aligned with the most current research on how they learn best, and it is the duty of educators to provide it.

Ignoring the need for structured, expert-led training could result in superficial or inconsistent implementation of the framework, ultimately failing to realize its potential benefits. Principals and superintendents must take proactive steps to ensure that teachers receive the necessary support to shift their instructional practices. We cannot allow outdated methods to persist when there is clear evidence of better approaches. Partnering with our coordinators is a strategic investment that will lead to more effective teaching, greater student engagement, and improved mathematical understanding across the district. If we truly want to bring the California Mathematics Framework to life, we must provide educators with the expert guidance they need to make lasting changes in their classrooms. More importantly, we must recognize that doing so is not just beneficial—it is our moral obligation.