NBPTS AYA Math study plan
NBPTS AYA Math · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Knowledge of Students and Mathematics Content
Map the full Domain 1 content blueprint into a personal checklist of subtopics, flagging gaps
Solve and justify at least 15 problems spanning number/quantity, algebra, and functions with written reasoning
Identify three common student misconceptions in algebra and explain the underlying conceptual error for each
Your checkpoint
A Domain 1 self-audit checklist with confidence ratings and a written log of 15 solved problems
Knowledge of Students and Mathematics Content
Solve and justify at least 15 problems spanning geometry, trigonometry, and measurement
Solve and justify at least 10 problems spanning statistics, probability, and discrete mathematics
Differentiate procedural fluency from conceptual understanding for three specific topics and give an example of each
Annotate the remaining Domain 1 gaps with a plan to close them
Your checkpoint
A second problem log (25 problems) plus a one-page conceptual-vs-procedural comparison table
Knowledge of Students and Mathematics Content & Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Connect at least four content standards to real-world modeling contexts and describe the modeling cycle for each
Analyze how a given mathematical task demands reasoning, problem solving, or modeling, and classify the cognitive demand
Write and solve two original multi-step modeling problems with explicit assumptions and validation steps
Your checkpoint
Two original modeling problems with full solution narratives including assumptions, model, and validation
Instructional Design and Planning in Mathematics & Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Design a unit plan that sequences content from concrete to abstract with stated learning objectives
Write measurable learning objectives aligned to content and reasoning standards
Select and justify instructional tasks that build conceptual understanding before fluency
Integrate a modeling task into the unit plan with clear success criteria
Your checkpoint
A complete 2-week unit plan with objectives, task sequence, and an embedded modeling task
Instructional Delivery and Classroom Discourse & Learning Environment and Equitable Access
Design discourse moves (questioning, wait time, revoicing) to elicit student reasoning in a lesson
Plan how to launch, orchestrate, and close a discussion around a rich task
Identify two barriers to equitable access in a lesson and design specific supports for each
Draft a classroom norm statement that promotes productive struggle and participation
Your checkpoint
A lesson plan annotated with specific discourse moves and an equity access plan for two student profiles
Assessment and Use of Evidence of Student Learning & Learning Environment and Equitable Access
Design formative and summative assessments that measure reasoning, not just procedures
Write a rubric with descriptors that distinguish levels of conceptual understanding
Plan how to collect, interpret, and act on evidence of student learning within one lesson cycle
Analyze a sample of student work and identify patterns to inform reteaching
Your checkpoint
An assessment blueprint with a reasoning-focused rubric and a written analysis of three student work samples
Reflective Practice and Professional Growth & Collaboration with Families and Colleagues
Analyze a lesson you delivered and identify one instructional decision to revise with justification
Design a plan to communicate mathematical progress and expectations to families
Plan a collaboration structure with a colleague to co-analyze student work or co-plan a task
Describe how you will use feedback from colleagues and families to adjust practice
Your checkpoint
A reflective analysis of one lesson plus a family communication plan and a colleague collaboration outline
Knowledge of Students and Mathematics Content & Instructional Design and Planning in Mathematics & Instructional Delivery and Classroom Discourse & Assessment and Use of Evidence of Student Learning & Learning Environment and Equitable Access & Reflective Practice and Professional Growth & Collaboration with Families and Colleagues & Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Synthesize artifacts from all domains into a coherent portfolio narrative
Revisit flagged Domain 1 gaps and resolve at least three with targeted practice
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and analyze errors by domain
Draft written commentary connecting evidence to standards for each domain
Your checkpoint
A complete draft portfolio with written commentary for all eight domains and an error-analysis summary
Milestones
Week 2: Domain 1 self-audit shows no unresolved content gaps in at least two of the three major content strands, verified by problem-log accuracy of 80% or higher
Week 4: A unit plan exists that includes measurable objectives, a sequenced task set, and an integrated modeling task with success criteria
Week 6: An assessment blueprint and reasoning rubric are complete, and a written analysis of three student work samples identifies actionable patterns
Week 8: A full draft portfolio with commentary for all eight domains is complete, and a timed mixed-domain practice set has been analyzed with errors categorized by domain