Introduction
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) has identified the Instructional Coherence Model as the foundation for OCI programming and initiatives.
The Instructional Coherence Model is designed to put students first by making sure their learning feels connected and consistent throughout the school day, from grade to grade, and in every subject. To learn more, visit the Instructional Coherence webpage.
Guiding Principles
The Michigan Department of Education wants every student in the state to feel confident exploring math. Students should learn in classrooms that challenge them, connect to their lives, spark curiosity, and give them the math skills they need to reach their goals in a fast‑changing world.
The Michigan Mathematics Framework is built on eight key principles that help ensure all students receive strong, inclusive, and engaging math instruction. These principles guide decisions about policies, teaching practices, and partnerships with families and communities, with a focus on fairness, student empowerment, and authentic meaning.
- Equity and Inclusivity: Every learner deserves access to high-quality math education, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, language, ability, gender, or race. The Michigan Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all learners, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in mathematics. Instructional practices, curricular resources, and assessments must be designed to be culturally responsive and accessible to all learners.
- Learner-Centered and Personalized Education: Math instruction must be tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of learners. We embrace personalized learning pathways, providing learners with opportunities to explore mathematical concepts in ways that connect to their passions and future aspirations. Learners will have a voice in their learning, advocating for their needs and engaging in creative problem-solving.
- Interdisciplinary and Real-World Connections: Mathematics is not an isolated subject; it is deeply connected to science, technology, literacy, social studies, and everyday life. Our approach to math education promotes interdisciplinary learning, helping learners see the relevance of math in other subjects and real-world contexts. By integrating math with other disciplines, we prepare learners to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve complex, relevant, real-world problems.
- Asset-Based Approach: We embrace an asset-based approach to math education, recognizing and building on each learner’s unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives. Instead of focusing on what learners lack, we view their diverse backgrounds as valuable assets that enrich the learning environment. This approach empowers learners by affirming their potential and capacity to succeed in math, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of agency and ownership over their learning journey.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Families, caregivers, educators, community organizations, legislators, and industry leaders all play a vital role in the success of math education. We are committed to creating strong partnerships between schools and communities, ensuring that learners have access to diverse perspectives, mentorship opportunities, and real-world experiences that enhance their understanding of math. By leveraging community knowledge and resources, we build a more robust, interconnected educational ecosystem.
- Excellence in Teaching and Professional Growth: High-quality math instruction is essential to learner success. We are dedicated to supporting educators through ongoing professional development that promotes transformative teaching practices, technology integration, innovation, and responsive instructional strategies. Teachers are encouraged to continuously improve their craft, share responsive practices, and collaborate with peers to create a thriving, welcoming learning environment.
- Data-Informed Decision Making: Decisions about math instruction, curriculum, and resources must be grounded in data. By using formative and summative assessment data, as well as qualitative feedback from learners, caregivers, families, educators, and shareholders at every level, we can identify strengths and continuously improve learning experiences. Data will be used not only to monitor progress but also to ensure that all learners have the support they need to meet their learning goals.
- Lifelong Learning and Future-Readiness: The goal of mathematics education is to prepare learners not just for academic success but for life beyond school. We aim to equip learners with the mathematical literacy, confidence, and creative and critical thinking skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. Whether they pursue careers in STEM fields or other areas, learners will develop the ability to apply mathematics in innovative ways and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
These 8 guiding principles direct the implementation and continuous improvement of the Mathematics Framework, ensuring that all learners are empowered to excel in mathematics and achieve their life dreams.
How to Use the Framework
The Mathematics Framework is organized by the components of the Instructional Coherence Model. Each section contains resources that might be useful in your teaching.
