Mathematics Professional Development

As part of the STEM Unit’s vision to transform Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused and career-minded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, the state mathematics team supports professional learning opportunities and prioritizes experiences that adhere to the guidelines set forth in ESSA (2015), “sustained (not stand-alone, 1-day, or short-term workshops), intensive, collaborative, job-embedded, data-driven, and classroom-focused.” ADE-funded math specialists located across the state provide this support.

AR Math QuEST

The state-wide professional development focus for mathematics is AR Math QuEST (Quantitative Essentials for Students and Teachers), a two-year learning opportunity for mathematics educators grades K-12. AR Math QuEST is a journey for ambitious teaching that promotes equity and engagement of all students in meaningful mathematics learning experiences of reasoning and problem solving. AR Math QuEST empowers educators and families to help students develop positive identities as doers of mathematics to increase student achievement. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)’s Mathematics Teaching Practices and the Standards for Mathematical Practice are the research-based foundation for exemplary teaching and learning.