ISBE Seeks Feedback on First Draft of Numeracy Plan

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced a series of listening sessions across the state to gather feedback on the first draft of the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. ISBE invites educators and community partners to attend the listening tour to help shape Illinois' blueprint for strengthening math learning and outcomes for all students.

Modeled on the state's successful and nationally acclaimed Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan​, the Numeracy Plan will provide guidance that supports educators, schools, and districts in advancing student success in math. The development of the Comprehensive Numeracy Plan launched earlier this year with a statewide needs assessment survey and Numeracy Summit. More than 3,000 individuals provided feedback, including educators, school leaders, and education community partners during that initial phase.

"Every student deserves the confidence that comes from strong math skills," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "Numeracy equips students to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions in daily life. The Comprehensive Numeracy Plan will give educators the evidence-based tools they need to help students succeed, and it will ensure that every child in Illinois has access to high-quality math instruction. We invite all educators to be a part of this effort - your voices will help shape a plan that truly meets the needs of Illinois students."

"Numeracy is a foundational skill that impacts every aspect of a student's education and future success, and ISBE's listening sessions are a critical step in gathering insights to inform the development of our state's numeracy plan," said State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). "By engaging with educators and experts, we're ensuring our approach is both effective and responsive to the needs of students across our state."

"As a former math teacher, I know firsthand how intimidating math can feel for students and even educators at times," said State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Collinsville). "I commend ISBE for building on the success of the Comprehensive Literacy Plan by developing one for numeracy, and making sure communities and educators across Illinois are involved in shaping it."

"I thank the Illinois State Board of Education for hosting a listening session in Champaign," said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Champaign). "The Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan is critical, because math literacy is a necessity for our students. I thank the Board for their commitment to math excellence, and I look forward to the event in November."

ISBE invites educators, instructional coaches, administrators, regional offices of education, counselors, and other education leaders to participate in the listening sessions to ensure their voices and expertise inform the final plan. All sessions begin at 4 p.m. and attendees can register on Eventbrite.

Listening Sessions Schedule

• Thursday, Oct. 16, - Springfield (ISBE Office, 100 N. 1st St.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, - Naperville (Northern Illinois University Naperville Campus, NIU Conference Center, 1120 E. Diehl Rd.)
• Thursday, Oct. 23- Rockford (Rockford Public Schools 205 Administration Building, 501 7th St.)
• Tuesday, Nov. 4 - Virtual
• Wednesday, Nov. 5 - Champaign-Urbana (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 601 S. Lincoln Ave.)
• Wednesday, Nov. 12 - Edwardsville (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Morris University Center, 60 Hairpin Dr.)
• Thursday, Nov. 13 - Carbondale (Carbondale High School, 1301 E. Walnut St.)
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 - Chicago (ISBE Office, 555 W. Monroe St.)

The 2024 Illinois Report Card showed strong growth in math, but proficiency rates had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels and lagged behind English language arts achievement by a significant margin. Since the adoption of new math learning standards in 2010, Illinois has not had a comprehensive statewide support system for math instruction. The Comprehensive Numeracy Plan will fill that gap by equipping educators with guidance for evidence-based instructional strategies to support all students in developing the numeracy skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.

ISBE will offer multiple opportunities for public feedback, including the opportunity to review and help refine drafts of the numeracy plan. The first draft will be published in conjunction with the upcoming listening sessions, and the final numeracy plan is anticipated to be presented to the ISBE Board for approval by June 2026.

Visit the Illinois Numeracy Plan webpage for more information and sign up here to receive updates and opportunities to participate in shaping the plan​.