Conroe ISD Is Getting A New Math Curriculum
If you have ever sat beside your third grader during math homework and felt a little intimidated, you are not alone. Student expectations have significantly increased during my time as an educator in Texas, and many parents are surprised by just how much more rigorous math has become.
Let me give you an example. In 1997, high school students were required to pass an exit-level exam in 10th grade in order to graduate. That exam included a math section, and the most challenging questions were what we called “three-step problems.” Today, that same type of three-step problem is commonly found in third grade. Yes, you read that correctly.
Feedback is Welcome
Conroe ISD is beginning the process of selecting new K–12 mathematics instructional materials. This is an important decision, and community input is a key part of that process.
From January 5–23, 2026, Conroe ISD will gather public feedback on proposed math instructional materials. During this time, the materials and an evaluation form will be available for community review.
Parents and community members may schedule an appointment to visit the Conroe ISD Textbook and Assessment Center to review the materials in person, or they may access materials online. For information or to schedule an in-person review, visit the Conroe ISD Instructional Materials webpage. The Community Review Survey is linked for your convenience.
Our Standards
Texas public school districts do not follow a national curriculum. Instead, we follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards are rigorous, and expectations increase quickly from year to year.
To meet those expectations, teachers need instructional materials that are clear, aligned, and designed to build understanding over time. Strong materials support teachers in delivering effective instruction and help students develop confidence and deep mathematical thinking.
Over the past several years, math learning has been challenging for students nationwide. What we have learned is clear: there is no substitute for a well-prepared teacher supported by high-quality instructional materials.
What Are High-Quality Instructional Materials?
Today’s instructional materials look very different from the textbooks many of us remember. These resources include digital content, built-in assessments, online tools, and regular updates designed to better support both teachers and students.
You may hear the term High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). HQIM refers to resources approved by the Texas Education Agency that fully cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), clearly outline grade-level expectations, use research-based teaching practices, support all learners, and include tools to monitor student progress.
Texas school districts follow a structured review process guided by state and local policies when selecting instructional materials. Before reaching classrooms, resources are reviewed for TEKS alignment, quality, accuracy, and accessibility. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members provide input throughout the process. Teachers and principals make recommendations, and final approval rests with the board of trustees, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Why Now?
The district’s current math materials were adopted several years ago and have served students well. Still, instructional materials must be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective, reflect best practices, and take advantage of newly approved options.
Current state funding and review cycles make this the right time to thoughtfully select updated K–12 math instructional materials while minimizing disruption for students.
The Bigger Picture
Alongside this work, Conroe ISD will conduct a comprehensive curriculum audit in math and reading. No instructional program is complete out of the box. This review helps ensure alignment, coherence, and appropriate support across grade levels.
The curriculum audit will be funded by a grant from the Texas Education Agency and will help strengthen how instructional materials are used to support student learning.
Join the Conversation
Families are essential partners in learning, and your voice matters. Understanding how instructional materials are selected helps ensure we make the best possible decisions for our students.
Strong math instruction builds confidence, supports critical thinking, and prepares students for future success. Thank you for being an engaged, supportive partner in your child’s education.