EF+Math
We are funding bold approaches through inclusive discovery and development, with the goal of dramatically improving math outcomes for students in grades 3-8.
Program Description
EF+Math is a five-year inclusive R&D program with a goal of doubling the number of Black and Latinx students who are proficient in math in grades three through eight. Founded by Dr. Melina Uncapher in 2019, the program moved under the AERDF umbrella in early 2021.
EF+Math was initially envisioned as a demonstration program that could model core aspects of Inclusive R&D: educators, researchers, and developers working together on equal footing to build on insights from learning science to create useful and usable practices and tools for classrooms. The early strength of the program served as a guide for the creation of AERDF, which will support additional Inclusive R&D programs. EF+Math builds on existing evidence that executive function (EF) skills help students learn math more effectively.
Executive Function
Every student has EF skills, which allow them to focus on what’s important and ignore distractions, think flexibly to solve problems, and keep track of ideas in their minds. The program supports a diverse set of applied research projects and prototyping teams that are each using Inclusive R&D to test different ways of blending methods of strengthening students’ EF skills with rigorous math instruction. The projects all incorporate EF+Math’s three key pillars of Inclusive R&D: grounded in rigorous research, equity centered, and designed with educators at the center.
The mix of funded projects is designed to advance the relevant learning science, develop new practices and prototypes, and generate evidence about the potential of blending EF skill development with math instruction. The teams design for real-world classrooms by co-designing and developing their math learning systems with public school district partners across the country.
In addition to a vibrant community of more than 250 educators, researchers, developers and advisors who are part of the funded R&D projects, an Educator Leadership Council (ELC) is core to the effort. The ELC is a diverse group of educators who work at the classroom, school and district levels. Council members provide critical expertise in middle-years math curriculum and instruction and deep experience working in districts that serve Black and Latinx students and students experiencing poverty. The ELC participated in the initial decisions about which projects to fund and then embedded members in project teams to infuse their wisdom throughout the portfolio. Members of an Equity Research Advisory Board also provide the R&D projects with guidance and expertise to ensure continued progress toward stated equity commitments.
Team and Leadership
The EF+Math team is a diverse, multi-disciplinary group who bring extensive experience in education, learning science, math equity and math learning, digital technology and innovation. Our team consists of the Executive team, expert contributors, the Educator Leadership Council, the Equity Research Advisory Board, and our partners who, together, support our awardees.
Executive Team
Educator Leadership Council
In addition to a vibrant community of more than 250 educators, researchers, developers and advisors who are part of EF+Math-funded R&D projects, a 20-member Educator Leadership Council (ELC) is central to the effort. The ELC is a diverse group of educators who work at the classroom, school and district levels. Council members provide critical expertise in middle-years math curriculum and instruction and deep experience working in districts that serve Black and Latino students and students experiencing poverty. The ELC participated in the initial decisions about which projects to fund and then embedded members in project teams to infuse their wisdom throughout the portfolio.
- Debbra Lindo: Educator Leadership Council Chair, EF+Math Program
- Matin Abdel-Qawi: High School Network Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
- Maria Benzon: Assistant Principal, Southwest Schools
- Jennifer Davis: High School At-Risk Coordinator, Des Moines Public Schools
- Jeannette Franklin: 6th Grade Math Teacher, New York City Department of Education
- Sofia Guerrero: Transformational Learning Specialist, Spring Branch Independent School District
- Hannah Habte: Fourth Grade Teacher, Community Roots Charter School
- Ayesha Hunter: Principal, Sumter School District
- Lawrence Ke Xu: Dean of Instruction and Innovation, e3 Civic High
- Rose Kendrick: Program Manager for the Gordon A. Cain Center on STEM Literacy, Louisiana State University
- Melynee Naegele: Middle School Special Education Teacher, Claremore Public Schools
- Aimee Penn: Elementary School Teacher, Castro Valley Unified School District
- Amy Peterson: Manager of Professional Learning, LEAP Innovations
- Yesmi Rios: Coordinator of English Language Learner Services, Clark County School District
- Pedro Rodriguez: Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade Bilingual Math Teacher, New York City Department of Education
- Joshua Taton: Director of Mathematics, Independence Mission Schools
- Curtis Taylor: 6th Grade Math/Science Teacher, High Tech Middle Mesa
- Luis Torres: Fifth and Sixth Grade Math Teacher, Education for Change Public Schools
- Maxim Vickerie: Dean of Students, Alexandria City Public Schools
- Tyron Young: Secondary Science Teacher, Oakwood School
- Gabriela Cardenas (Emeritus): Third Grade Teacher and Professional Learning Teacher Support, Para Los Niños Charter Elementary School
- Cheryl James-Ward (Emeritus): CEO/Chief Engagement & Innovation Officer, e3 Civic High School
Equity Research Advisory Board
EF+Math funded teams recruited field-leading equity scholars who serve on R&D leadership teams to provide critical counsel and ensure continued progress toward stated equity commitments. Additionally, to facilitate rich, cross-sector equity scholarship, R&D teams are additionally supported by an Equity Research Advisory board.