What mathematical knowledge and ways of thinking will students need to thrive in that world?

How students use mathematics in college, careers, and everyday life is changing. What mathematical knowledge and ways of thinking will students need to thrive in that world?
Data analytics, statistics, mathematical modeling, and quantitative reasoning are increasingly important across fields, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping how mathematics is used.
With new mathematics standards adopted for North Carolina, our state has an opportunity to rethink how students experience mathematics and prepare for these changing demands.
Join educators, students, industry professionals, higher education leaders, and community partners from across North Carolina to explore how the new standards can support meaningful mathematics learning. Together, we’ll consider how to develop the flexibility, conceptual understanding and quantitative reasoning students need to solve real-world problems and thrive in their futures. This session was developed in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
• Venue: Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (1890 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC)
• Cost: FREE

Agenda

• 9:00 AM | Welcome and Framing
• 9:30 AM | Opening Keynote: Dr. Farshid Safi, President of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators; Associate Professor, University of Central Florida
• 10:15 AM | Break
• 10:30 AM | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Address: Dr. Charles Aiken; Section Chief for Math, Science, and STEM Education
• 11:15 AM l Panel: Building the Conditions for Modern Mathematics Instruction: Coherence, Capacity, and Change
  • Dr. Elena Ashburn, Senior Advisor for Education policy for the Governor
  • Brenda Berg, President & CEO of BEST NC
  • Representative Brian Biggs, North Carolina House of Representatives
  • Mrs. Karen McPherson, CTE Section Chief, Digital Technology and Computer Science Education at NCDPI
  • Dr. Holt Wilson, Director of the Institute for Partnerships in Education and Professor of Mathematics Education at UNC Greensboro
• 12:00 PM | Lunch
• 1:00 PM | Panel: From Vision to Practice: What Would It Take to Make This Work?
  • Dr. Cyndi Edgington, Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics Education and Undergraduate and MAT Coordinator at NC State University
  • Dr. Allison McCulloch, Professor of Mathematics Education and Coordinator of Mathematics Education at UNC Charlotte
  • Kenya Lawrence, 6-12 Mathematics Specialist in Durham Public Schools
  • Rob Leichner, Mathematics Teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Drew Ware, Principal in Wake County Public Schools
• 1:45 PM l Break
• 2:00 PM l Breakout Sessions: Breakout speakers will lead topics around data science, mathematical modeling, teacher preparation and professional learning, and the National Academies Modernizing Mathematics efforts.
• 2:45 PM | Closing

Why Attend?

• Explore a Broad Vision for Mathematics. Consider the inclusion of statistics, data analytics, modeling, quantitative reasoning and mathematics tailored to different disciplines and career pathways as a vision for mathematics in our NC K-12 schools.
• Hear Multiple Perspectives. Learn directly from educators, community members and professionals about what they need and value in mathematics education.
• Consider the Impact of a Changing Workforce. Explore how rapidly changing careers, technology and artificial intelligence are influencing the mathematical skills students may need.
• Join a Statewide Conversation. Connect with others interested in ensuring that mathematics education in North Carolina prepares students to think flexibly, reason quantitatively and apply mathematics with confidence.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for anyone invested in the future of mathematics teaching and learning in North Carolina, including:

• K–12 mathematics teachers and educators
• School and district leaders
• School counselors
• Higher education faculty
• Industry and workforce partners
• Education and community organizations
• Policymakers and education leaders
• Anyone interested in the future of mathematics education

This session is part of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation’s series Real Issues, Real Data. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Explore more topics and register for events through the program page.