Reshaping Math Assessment: A Practical and Visionary Conversation for Stimulating Change

About the Presenters

Steve Leinwand is a Principal Research Analyst at AIR, the American Institutes for Research in Arlington, VA, and has over 40 years of leadership positions in mathematics education. He currently serves as a mathematics expert on a wide range of AIR projects that focus on high-quality mathematics instruction, turning around underperforming schools, improving adult education, evaluating programs, developing assessments, and providing technical assistance for school improvement. Steve co-authored What the United States Can Learn from Singapore’s World-Class Mathematics System (and what Singapore can learn from the United States. He has spoken and written about effectively implementing the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, differentiated learning, and “What Every School Leader Needs to Know about Making Math Work for All Students.” In addition, Steve has provided school- and district-level support and technical assistance for the General Electric Foundation’s Ensuring Futures in Education project and the Microsoft Math Partnership. As part of AIR’s assessment program, Steve has overseen the development and quality review of multiple-choice and constructed-response items for AIR’s contracts with Ohio, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota, South Carolina, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

Before joining AIR in 2002, Steve spent 22 years as Mathematics Consultant with the Connecticut Department of Education where he was responsible for the development and oversight of a broad statewide program of activities in K-12 mathematics education including the provision of technical assistance and professional development, the evaluation of Title 1 and K-12 mathematics programs, the assessment of student achievement and teacher competency, and the coordination of statewide mathematics programs and activities. Steve has also served on the NCTM Board of Directors and has been President of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.

Steve is an author of several mathematics textbooks and has written numerous articles. His books, Sensible Mathematics: A Guide for School Leaders in the Era of Common Core State Standards and Accessible Mathematics: 10 Instructional Shifts That Raise Student Achievement, were published by Heinemann in 2012 and 2009, respectively. Invigorating High School Math: Practical Guidance for Long-Overdue Transformation, co-written with Eric Milou, was published by Heinemann in 2021. In addition, Steve was the awardee of the 2015 National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics Glenn Gilbert/Ross Taylor National Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to mathematics education and has been awarded the 2021 NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jay Meadows is the Chief Executive Officer of Exemplars, a leading force in redefining how students learn to think mathematically. With over 30 years in education, Jay brings a rare blend of classroom insight and research-driven innovation. A former middle school math and science teacher, he holds advanced degrees in both teaching and mathematical pedagogy—credentials that reflect his deep commitment to meaningful, effective math instruction.

At Exemplars, Jay is not only a primary author of performance tasks but also a national thought partner for educators. He leads dynamic professional development experiences across the United States, helping teachers transform their classrooms with problem-solving, authentic assessment, and the practices that research shows make the biggest difference. His mission is bold: to cultivate a generation of learners who can tackle any challenge with confidence and grit.

Jay’s impact extends far beyond U.S. borders. Before his teaching career, he facilitated diplomatic exchange programs for the U.S. State Department, partnered with international nonprofits, and served in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. This global lens continues to shape his belief in education as a force for empowerment and equity.