Overview
The Mathematics Unit at the Los Angeles County Office of Education supports student achievement by cultivating the joy in mathematics through high quality professional development, coaching, consultation and technical assistance to Local Educational Agencies across Los Angeles County.
What is Mathematics?
"Math is more than just a way to describe the world, and it is more than just a set of skills, like doing arithmetic or factoring a quadratic. Math is a deeply human enterprise that fulfills basic human longings, such as for beauty and truth, and when properly engaged, it builds virtues like persistence, creativity, and a competence to solve problems you've never seen before. These virtues will serve you well no matter what you do in life. The deep connection between mathematics and human desires show why people in every culture around the globe do mathematics, not just to build things and conduct commerce, but for enjoyment and exploration. An incarcerated man–now my friend–has helped me see this more clearly than ever before." - Francis Su
Annual Event and Scholarship
Math Field Day
An exciting and inclusive event designed to showcase students' mathematical knowledge and skills through friendly competition, collaboration and celebration for 4th - 11th grade teams.
Rooted in the principles of the 2023 California Mathematics Framework, this event serves as the culmination of a year-long instructional program aligned with the California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Save the Date: April 24, 2027
Featuring:
- STEM Fair: Network with STEM professionals from industries like engineering, healthcare, and computer science.
- Mathchella: Interactive math stations, puzzles, and games designed to make math come alive.
- Parents as Partners Session: Empower parents with strategies to support their children’s math learning.
- $500 Scholarship for Seniors Majoring in Math
Empowering Future Leaders: $500 Scholarship for Mathematics Students
Are you a high school senior passionate about innovation in Mathematics fields?
Our scholarship offers financial support to help you achieve your dreams.
Programs & Initiatives
A collaborative network of California school districts, county offices, the California Mathematics Project, and other educational leaders working together to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning.
Learn more about out how to support equity in mathematics. Bring equity and a mathematical mindset into your math classroom!
Adopted by SBE in March 2024, GLIMA is a resource to help LEAs identify, review, pilot and adopt instructional materials. Includes a range of supporting materials to aid in the adoption process.
Professional Learning & Networking Opportunities
The LACOE STEM Mathematics Unit is proud to share our latest Professional Learning Catalog!
Our offerings are designed to support educators, leaders and districts in delivering equitable, engaging and high-quality mathematics instruction across all grade levels. Sessions include:
- Deep dives into the 2023 California Mathematics Framework
- Instructional routines to strengthen student discourse and sense-making
- Leadership development for building math coherence across systems
- Customized supports aligned to your district or school’s needs
Explore our catalog to find learning opportunities that will inspire, equip, and empower your math community.
View the STEM Mathematics Professional Learning Catalog
Getting To Know the 2023 Mathematics Framework
A 5 module series designed for all educators and math enthusiasts interested in promoting dynamic and inquiry-driven approaches to teaching mathematics. Participants will explore the Five Components of Equitable Math Instruction which include; Teaching to Big Ideas, Use Open Engaging Tasks, Cultural and Personally Relevance, Invite Student Questions and Conjectures, and Promote Reasoning and Justification. Educators will have opportunities to understand the research, reflect on the implications for their work, and plan for the use of these components in their classrooms and school sites.
Mathematical Mindsets
You will learn:
- The differences between fixed and growth mindsets.
- How to utilize Mathematical Mindsets as a focus for teaching mathematics.
- Strategies to increase opportunities for students to feel confident in learning mathematics.
Embracing Math Stories to Nurture Students' Mathematical Identity & Sense of Belonging
Students and teachers sharing their math stories build community. It says to the student that their lived experiences are valid and their voice is valuable. Learn with us the power of unearthing positive mathematical identities using math stories.
Course Structure: Every Human Has a Math Story. What is YOUR Math Story? Reflection: A Teacher and Student's Math Stories Student Math Stories Pre & Post Sharing Math Stories Builds Community & Belonging
Robust Discourse IS Math Class: Using the Math Talk Which One Doesn't Belong to Unearth Brilliance
Organizing for an Equitable and Joyful Mathematics Classroom Series
The Which One Doesn't Belong?/Which One is Unique? Math talk routine engages students in meaningful mathematical discussions and develops their ability to think flexibly and strategically. All choices are correct, which shifts the focus to justification and provides multiple entry points for all learner abilities. It isn’t about guessing the correct answer; it’s about expressing mathematical relationships precisely to build community with others, which elevates the importance of building upon peers’ ideas and valuing their thinking as much as their own. It conveys that math is about sense-making and that all students’ ideas and voices are valued.
Equitable High School Mathematics Pathways
You Will:
- Understand the importance of a renewed focus on high school mathematics.
- Understand how the high school math pathways provide opportunities for increased student engagement in higher-level math courses.
- Know the two (2) different high school math pathways available to students, including alternative options for 3rd and 4th-year math courses.
The L.A. County Math Leadership Network is a community of mathematics leaders committed to strengthening mathematics teaching and learning across Los Angeles County.
A Community of Practice to learn and collaborate around the mathematical highlights, shifts and needs in our L.A. county community.
Professional Organizations
Why should educators join a professional organization?
- Prioritization of Educator Growth
- Network With Fellow Members
- Access to Research
- Opportunities for Leadership Experiences
- Eligibility to Grants and Scholarships, Awards
Professional organizations you might consider:
Contact Us
LACOE STEM-Mathematics Unit
math@lacoe.edu
(562) 401-5486
