California Releases New Recommended Math Instructional Materials List

The Center for Education Market Dynamics • November 12, 2025

For the first time in a decade, California has released a new list of recommended mathematics instructional materials. The 2025 list includes 64 unique approvals representing 29 distinct product families, spanning grades kindergarten through Algebra 1 or Math I. For district leaders beginning or refining their local adoption processes, the release marks a major milestone and the start of a new phase of learning about what’s available in today’s curriculum market.

A Changing Market

Much has changed since the last math adoption in 2014. New publishers have entered the market, digital products have expanded, and curriculum design has evolved to emphasize coherence, accessibility, and flexibility. Seventeen (17) publishers on this year’s list did not have products on the 2014 list, signaling significant movement and innovation in the field.

In addition to new entrants, many publishers have extended their offerings to span multiple grade bands. This is a feature that district leaders frequently identify as a priority for ensuring vertical alignment. More than half of the approved series (15 of 29) cover K–Algebra I or K–Math I, allowing districts to consider cohesive materials across elementary, middle, and early high school grades. The remainder include a mix of K–8, K–6, and middle school–only options. Notably, there are no standalone Algebra I or Integrated Math products on the list that are not connected to a K–8 or 6–8 series.

Key Trends and Observations

The 2025 adoption reflects several notable shifts in the instructional materials landscape:

• Broader grade coverage: Publishers appear to have anticipated demand for materials that support smoother transitions across grade bands.
• Emerging and evolving publishers: The presence of 17 new publishers/providers — and several updated versions of well-known series — highlights how many newer options exist in the K–12 math market.
• Open and derivative models: Six (6) of the series on the approved list draw from or align to Illustrative Mathematics®. Some of these are IM Certified® partners and others are products that have been derived from the open source materials.

What Districts Are Discussing

In conversations across California, district and county leaders are comparing what’s new on the list and how they will approach local selection. Districts are beginning to winnow options based on local priorities, including coherence across grade bands, support for English learners, and readiness for digital implementation.

Because this is the first new list in 10 years, district teams may find that many of the available products are unfamiliar. Before beginning reviews and pilots, many will spend time learning about the market, including what has changed, what’s new, and what independent evidence is available about quality and usability.

Resources for Local Review

Districts preparing for local adoption can draw on multiple sources of information to guide their winnowing and pilot processes:

• CalCurriculum and English Learners Success Forum (ELSF) resources provide guidance on evaluating how materials meet local priorities and the needs of diverse learners.
• EdReports includes reviews of current or previous programs or their national versions, offering third-party insights into alignment and usability.
• Other state adoption lists can also offer additional reference points for versions of the same or similar programs.

Looking Ahead

The release of California’s new math adoption list marks a significant step in the state’s broader effort to strengthen access to high-quality instructional materials. But the list itself is only a starting point. In the months ahead, districts will move into deeper phases of review, piloting, and professional learning to identify which programs best align with their instructional vision and student needs.

CEMD will continue tracking patterns in adoption and implementation, as well as the insights emerging from district pilots, to help the field understand how new materials are shaping math teaching and learning in California.

What’s on the Recommended List?

Partnering for Success

Partner with CEMD and peer organizations across the state to co-develop practical tools that help district teams winnow options and make strong selections. Sign up here to join the upcoming resource-development sessions.