A bold reimagining
of the classroom
to spark a generation of
powerful learners.
to spark a generation of
powerful learners.
What is Spark Math?
Spark Math is being developed as 4 replacement units.
Each of the 4 units replaces, covers and extends the core curriculum for 2-3 weeks. It does not delay the core curriculum, but covers the same material in a novel way.
In addition to developing conceptual understanding, Spark Math units build executive function (EF) skills into the math instruction.
The graphic below highlights both the goals of the Spark Math units and features.
Spark Math
Replacement Units
Teachers develop capacity and redesign their instructional practice
More belonging-centered instruction
More ambitions and equitable instruction
Students actively engage in authentic mathematical problem solving & EF meta - cognition
Improved learning outcomes for students of color
What is a Spark Math Unit?
Simulations and project-based learning activities that provide opportunities for shared authentic experience, mathematical discourse, and exploration.
Supports to help teachers develop culturally relevant instruction and build student's EF skills.
Learning games and adaptive practice to strengthen students' math fluency and executive functions.
Spark Math is packaged as cohesive, ready-to-use unity, but alternatively the individual components can be implemented a la carte.
Spark Math Program Components
- Instructional materials
- Assessments
- Digital + Print
- Top-rated, EF-infused OER
- Discourse-infused
- Pull-out & coaching
- Ongoing, collaborative, interactive
- In-person & self-serve
- Micro-tutoring
- Extended Instruction
- Adaptive, computer-based instruction
- EF training embedded in math
- Metacognitive strategies
- Socio-emotional & contextual EF support
- Simulations
- Formative assessment
- Student choice
- Conceptual and relevant taks
- Collaborative learning
Reimagining Student's Mathematics Experience
Who is Spark Math?
In 2020, EF+Math chose a small number of interdisciplinary teams to fund. Spark Math was proud to be one of those teams.
Spark Math is led by the non-profit Saga Education, the leading provider of high-dose in-school tutoring for historically underserved youth.
A strength of Spark Math is that is being developed with a group of leading researchers highlighted below. The team's work spans an arc from Jamaal's work on belonging in the math classroom and social cognition, to Ben, Priti and Yuko's work on EF deployment, improvement, and training, to Kathy, David, Brent and Krista, and Tom's work on novel and tech-supported approaches to learning mathematics.
Led by Saga Education
In Collaboration With
