What works in math?

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) has released two new research reports on math programs: Saxon Math and Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Elementary Mathematics.

Saxon Math, a core curriculum for students in grades K-5 that uses an incremental approach for instruction and assessment, was found to have potentially positive effects on mathematics achievement for elementary school students. This finding is based on two studies of Saxon Math that meet the WWC evidence standards. Potentially positive effects means: "In the two studies that reported findings, the estimated impact of the intervention on outcomes in the mathematics achievement domain was positive and statistically significant in one study and indeterminate in one study."

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Elementary Mathematics is a core mathematics curriculum for students in prekindergarten through grade 6 that aims to improve students' understanding of key math concepts through problem-solving instruction, hands-on activities, and math problems that involve reading and writing. The program was found to have mixed effects on mathematics achievement for elementary school students based on three studies that meet WWC evidence standards. Mixed effects means: "In the three studies that reported findings, the estimated impact of the intervention on outcomes in the mathematics achievement domain was negative and statistically significant in one study and indeterminate in two studies."

Johns Hopkins University

School of Education

Center for Research and Reform in Education

Research in Brief