District Spotlight: Sun Prairie
Over the last two school years, I have had the privilege of partnering with the Sun Prairie Area School District (SPASD) as they engaged in a comprehensive High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) review and selection process across the entire K–12 system. During the 2024–25 school year, grades 6–8 and high school teams completed this work, and this year K–5 teams began their process in September and wrapped up in January. Supporting this work was an incredible experience, filled with thoughtful discussions about equity, language, mathematics content, teacher experience, and, most importantly, the needs of students.
Sun Prairie approached the K–5 review in a way that was both intentional and uniquely grounded in their community. In addition to using EdReports to identify high-quality materials, the K–5 Math Steering Committee developed its own set of “gates” and indicators to reflect what mattered most locally. Four key areas guided their work: Deep Mathematical Understanding; Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices; Universal Design for Learning; and Usability for teachers, students, and families. These indicators served as a consistent lens as teachers analyzed EdReports, examined print and digital resources, and conducted site visits, creating coherence and shared ownership throughout the process.
In my role with CESA 2, I worked closely with Sun Prairie district leadership, especially 4K–12 Math Coordinator Lexi Vanden Heuvel, to design and facilitate structures that ensured every voice could contribute meaningfully. Committee members shared perspectives, asked hard questions, and learned alongside one another. At times the conversations were challenging, but the collective commitment to listening, reflecting, and refining thinking made the process stronger. Over time, the group built deep alignment and ultimately reached consensus on a K–5 math curricular resource with confidence in both their decision and their ability to communicate the why behind it.
While implementation work is just beginning, there is genuine excitement about what lies ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity to support and learn alongside Sun Prairie educators throughout this journey and honored to play a role in this important work. The district’s math leaders bring remarkable dedication to their students and community, and I am proud to continue partnering with them as this work comes to life in classrooms.
"The process this fall is definitely a bright spot for me too - your leadership and partnership in our journey was incredibly valuable!"
~Lexi Vanden Heuvel
4K-12 Math Coordinator
Matt Hayden
CESA 2 Math Consultant and Instructional Coach
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