{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical thinkers.\\r\\n\",\"_feature_row_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_subheading\",\"feature_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_feature_row_buttons\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_buttons\",\"feature_row_card_type\":\"category_card\",\"_feature_row_card_type\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_card_type\",\"feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"Math.svg\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_icon\",\"feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_link\",\"feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"#e2ebf7\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_card_color\",\"feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"Mathematics \",\"_feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_headline\",\"feature_row_cards_0_subheading\":\"Belonging-centered instruction focused on the critical topics of ratios, expressions \\u0026amp; 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Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. The program provides comprehensive materials, including print and digital workbooks, teacher guides, slide decks, dashboards, and both analog and digital EF skill building games. This modular design allows educators to adapt resources to their specific classroom contexts while supporting deep mathematical understanding across key sixth grade topics.\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"Adaptive virtual world connects math and executive function skill practice through game-based exploration\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math's Skye Adaptive Practice Virtual World reimagines math practice as an immersive learning experience. Students navigate themed islands within each unit, completing math and EF skill challenges to earn coins and planks that build bridges to new content. The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. Students and teachers explore identity, interests, and belonging while developing a shared understanding of growth mindset and mathematical mindset. Through games and activities, students are explicitly introduced to EFs\u2014working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility\u2014and learn how these skills support both learning and collaboration. By connecting EFs to math, games, and students' own worlds from the start, the unit positions all students as capable math learners.\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"Asset-based approach to executive function skill development positions executive function skills as tools that give students agency over their own learning\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math explicitly teaches students about working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility through accessible lessons, then provides ongoing practice through \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/games\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003egames\\u003c\/a\\u003e like \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/equivacards-the-fun-math-card-game-for-fluency-blog\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003eEquivacards\\u003c\/a\\u003e (a unique take on the Uno card game), Set, and Rat-a-Tat Cat that integrate multiple EF skill demands with math content. This explicit-then-embedded approach intentionally weaves game play throughout the curriculum to help students practice EFs and strategic thinking while building relationships with peers. By framing game play as both skill-building and collaborative fun, Spark Math creates opportunities for students to strengthen the cognitive abilities they need for complex math while fostering classroom community.\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items\":4,\"_text_list_list_items\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items\",\"text_list\":\"\",\"_text_list\":\"field_text_list_text_list\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5010\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/video-demo {\"name\":\"acf\/video-demo\",\"data\":{\"video_demo_headline\":\"See Spark Math in 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, executive function skills, and equitable learning experiences using inclusive R\\u0026D methods.\",\"_full_width_cta_subheading\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_subheading\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":{\"title\":\"View All R\\u0026D Projects\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/projects\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"primary\",\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button_style\",\"full_width_cta_buttons\":1,\"_full_width_cta_buttons\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons\",\"full_width_cta\":\"\",\"_full_width_cta\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5487\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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Zengilowski is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Lehigh University. Before joining Lehigh, she was at the University of California, Davis.","bio":"","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical thinkers.\\r\\n\",\"_feature_row_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_subheading\",\"feature_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_feature_row_buttons\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_buttons\",\"feature_row_card_type\":\"category_card\",\"_feature_row_card_type\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_card_type\",\"feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"Math.svg\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_icon\",\"feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_link\",\"feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"#e2ebf7\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_card_color\",\"feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"Mathematics \",\"_feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_headline\",\"feature_row_cards_0_subheading\":\"Belonging-centered instruction focused on the critical topics of ratios, expressions \\u0026amp; 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The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. Students and teachers explore identity, interests, and belonging while developing a shared understanding of growth mindset and mathematical mindset. Through games and activities, students are explicitly introduced to EFs\u2014working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility\u2014and learn how these skills support both learning and collaboration. By connecting EFs to math, games, and students' own worlds from the start, the unit positions all students as capable math learners.\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"Asset-based approach to executive function skill development positions executive function skills as tools that give students agency over their own learning\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math explicitly teaches students about working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility through accessible lessons, then provides ongoing practice through \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/games\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003egames\\u003c\/a\\u003e like \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/equivacards-the-fun-math-card-game-for-fluency-blog\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003eEquivacards\\u003c\/a\\u003e (a unique take on the Uno card game), Set, and Rat-a-Tat Cat that integrate multiple EF skill demands with math content. This explicit-then-embedded approach intentionally weaves game play throughout the curriculum to help students practice EFs and strategic thinking while building relationships with peers. By framing game play as both skill-building and collaborative fun, Spark Math creates opportunities for students to strengthen the cognitive abilities they need for complex math while fostering classroom community.\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items\":4,\"_text_list_list_items\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items\",\"text_list\":\"\",\"_text_list\":\"field_text_list_text_list\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5010\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/video-demo {\"name\":\"acf\/video-demo\",\"data\":{\"video_demo_headline\":\"See Spark Math in 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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education.\",\"_stat_row_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"3,000+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"students reached through Spark Math\u2019s work with the EF+Math Program\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"5\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"district partners involved in research and 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. The program provides comprehensive materials, including print and digital workbooks, teacher guides, slide decks, dashboards, and both analog and digital EF skill building games. This modular design allows educators to adapt resources to their specific classroom contexts while supporting deep mathematical understanding across key sixth grade topics.\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"Adaptive virtual world connects math and executive function skill practice through game-based exploration\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math's Skye Adaptive Practice Virtual World reimagines math practice as an immersive learning experience. Students navigate themed islands within each unit, completing math and EF skill challenges to earn coins and planks that build bridges to new content. The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. Students and teachers explore identity, interests, and belonging while developing a shared understanding of growth mindset and mathematical mindset. Through games and activities, students are explicitly introduced to EFs\u2014working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility\u2014and learn how these skills support both learning and collaboration. By connecting EFs to math, games, and students' own worlds from the start, the unit positions all students as capable math learners.\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"Asset-based approach to executive function skill development positions executive function skills as tools that give students agency over their own learning\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math explicitly teaches students about working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility through accessible lessons, then provides ongoing practice through \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/games\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003egames\\u003c\/a\\u003e like \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/equivacards-the-fun-math-card-game-for-fluency-blog\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003eEquivacards\\u003c\/a\\u003e (a unique take on the Uno card game), Set, and Rat-a-Tat Cat that integrate multiple EF skill demands with math content. This explicit-then-embedded approach intentionally weaves game play throughout the curriculum to help students practice EFs and strategic thinking while building relationships with peers. 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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Students navigate themed islands within each unit, completing math and EF skill challenges to earn coins and planks that build bridges to new content. The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. Students and teachers explore identity, interests, and belonging while developing a shared understanding of growth mindset and mathematical mindset. Through games and activities, students are explicitly introduced to EFs\u2014working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility\u2014and learn how these skills support both learning and collaboration. 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, executive function skills, and equitable learning experiences using inclusive R\\u0026D methods.\",\"_full_width_cta_subheading\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_subheading\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":{\"title\":\"View All R\\u0026D Projects\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/projects\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"primary\",\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button_style\",\"full_width_cta_buttons\":1,\"_full_width_cta_buttons\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons\",\"full_width_cta\":\"\",\"_full_width_cta\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5487\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","description":"","objectType":"Project","project-type":[{"name":"Pilot Study","slug":"pilot-study","term_taxonomy_id":30,"taxonomy":"project-type"},{"name":"Product","slug":"product","term_taxonomy_id":28,"taxonomy":"project-type"}],"author":"Editorial Team","date":"December 8, 2025","pubDate":"2025-12-08 21:04:13","attachment":{"ID":1233,"src":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg","img":"<img width=\"918\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg\" class=\"block w-full h-full object-cover object-center relative z-10\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg 918w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-768x564.jpg 768w, 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16:13:11","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/wp\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1000,"height":1000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis-768x768.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","large-width":1000,"large-height":1000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","1536x1536-width":1000,"1536x1536-height":1000,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","2048x2048-width":1000,"2048x2048-height":1000,"w320":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis-320x320.jpg","w320-width":320,"w320-height":320,"w640":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis-640x640.jpg","w640-width":640,"w640-height":640,"w1280":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","w1280-width":1000,"w1280-height":1000,"w1920":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","w1920-width":1000,"w1920-height":1000,"w2560":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","w2560-width":1000,"w2560-height":1000,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":300,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":400,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bb23f039-curtis.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":600}},"social_links":{"linkedin":"","facebook":"","x_twitter":"","email":""},"intro_text":"Curtis Taylor was a member of the Educator Leadership Council from 2019-2025. 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The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, executive function skills, and equitable learning experiences using inclusive R\\u0026D methods.\",\"_full_width_cta_subheading\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_subheading\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":{\"title\":\"View All R\\u0026D Projects\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/projects\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"primary\",\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button_style\",\"full_width_cta_buttons\":1,\"_full_width_cta_buttons\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons\",\"full_width_cta\":\"\",\"_full_width_cta\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5487\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","description":"","objectType":"Project","project-type":[{"name":"Pilot Study","slug":"pilot-study","term_taxonomy_id":30,"taxonomy":"project-type"},{"name":"Product","slug":"product","term_taxonomy_id":28,"taxonomy":"project-type"}],"author":"Editorial Team","date":"December 8, 2025","pubDate":"2025-12-08 21:04:13","attachment":{"ID":1233,"src":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg","img":"<img width=\"918\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg\" class=\"block w-full h-full object-cover object-center relative z-10\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg 918w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-768x564.jpg 768w, 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16:14:38","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/wp\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1500,"height":1500,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-150x150.jpeg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-300x300.jpeg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-768x768.jpeg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-1024x1024.jpeg","large-width":1024,"large-height":1024,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-1075x1536.jpeg","1536x1536-width":1075,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-1434x2048.jpeg","2048x2048-width":1434,"2048x2048-height":2048,"w320":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-320x320.jpeg","w320-width":320,"w320-height":320,"w640":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-640x640.jpeg","w640-width":640,"w640-height":640,"w1280":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-1280x1280.jpeg","w1280-width":1280,"w1280-height":1280,"w1920":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147.jpeg","w1920-width":1500,"w1920-height":1500,"w2560":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147.jpeg","w2560-width":1500,"w2560-height":1500,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-300x300.jpeg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":300,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-400x400.jpeg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":400,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/David-Webb-e1766008867147-600x600.jpeg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":600}},"social_links":{"linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-webb-22976924\/","facebook":"","x_twitter":"","email":""},"intro_text":"David Webb is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder.","bio":"","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical 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6.\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_subheading\",\"feature_row_cards_1_icon\":\"Executive-Function.svg\",\"_feature_row_cards_1_icon\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_icon\",\"feature_row_cards_1_link\":\"\",\"_feature_row_cards_1_link\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_link\",\"feature_row_cards_1_card_color\":\"#e2ebf7\",\"_feature_row_cards_1_card_color\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_card_color\",\"feature_row_cards_1_headline\":\"Executive Function Skills\",\"_feature_row_cards_1_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_headline\",\"feature_row_cards_1_subheading\":\"Students actively engage in opportunities to strengthen their metacognition and EF skills within a coherent instructional subsystem that weaves together EF supports in authentic mathematical problem solving and activities to build teacher and student learning and awareness of EF 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classroom.\",\"_feature_row_cards_2_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_subheading\",\"feature_row_cards\":3,\"_feature_row_cards\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards\",\"feature_row_padding\":\"both\",\"_feature_row_padding\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_padding\",\"feature_row\":\"\",\"_feature_row\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc4f19\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/stat-row {\"name\":\"acf\/stat-row\",\"data\":{\"stat_row_headline\":\"Project Impact \",\"_stat_row_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_headline\",\"stat_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math has produced measurable impact in classrooms, reaching thousands of students and educators, while contributing research findings to advance math education.\",\"_stat_row_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"3,000+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"students reached through Spark Math\u2019s work with the EF+Math Program\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"5\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"district partners involved in research and development\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_2_stat_headline\":\"30+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_2_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_2_stat_subheading\":\"publications and resources disseminated with Spark Math\u2019s learnings\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_2_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container\":3,\"_stat_row_stat_container\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container\",\"stat_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_stat_row_buttons\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_buttons\",\"stat_row_background_image\":1414,\"_stat_row_background_image\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_background_image\",\"stat_row\":\"\",\"_stat_row\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc4f9f\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/text-list {\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, 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16:16:08","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/wp\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":475,"height":475,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566-150x150.jpeg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566-300x300.jpeg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","medium_large-width":475,"medium_large-height":475,"large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","large-width":475,"large-height":475,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","1536x1536-width":475,"1536x1536-height":475,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","2048x2048-width":475,"2048x2048-height":475,"w320":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566-320x320.jpeg","w320-width":320,"w320-height":320,"w640":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","w640-width":475,"w640-height":475,"w1280":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","w1280-width":475,"w1280-height":475,"w1920":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","w1920-width":475,"w1920-height":475,"w2560":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","w2560-width":475,"w2560-height":475,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566-300x300.jpeg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":300,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566-400x400.jpeg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":400,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Denise-PG-e1766009126566.jpeg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":475,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":475}},"social_links":{"linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/denise-m-gantt\/","facebook":"","x_twitter":"","email":""},"intro_text":"Denise Parham-Gantt is an Adjunct Math Instructor at Blackhawk Technical College. She previously served as a Senior Product Manager at Saga Education","bio":"","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical thinkers.\\r\\n\",\"_feature_row_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_subheading\",\"feature_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_feature_row_buttons\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_buttons\",\"feature_row_card_type\":\"category_card\",\"_feature_row_card_type\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_card_type\",\"feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"Math.svg\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_icon\",\"feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_link\",\"feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"#e2ebf7\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_card_color\",\"feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"Mathematics \",\"_feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_headline\",\"feature_row_cards_0_subheading\":\"Belonging-centered instruction focused on the critical topics of ratios, expressions \\u0026amp; 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The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. 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Matthews is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan.","bio":"","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical 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education.\",\"_stat_row_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"3,000+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"students reached through Spark Math\u2019s work with the EF+Math Program\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"5\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"district partners involved in research and 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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Davis was a member of the Educator Leadership Council from 2019-2025. 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She hopes that through this continued learning and growth, she will be able to help her students succeed by bridging the gaps in these critical concepts and skills.<\/p>\n","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical thinkers.\\r\\n\",\"_feature_row_subheading\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_subheading\",\"feature_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_feature_row_buttons\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_buttons\",\"feature_row_card_type\":\"category_card\",\"_feature_row_card_type\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_card_type\",\"feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"Math.svg\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_icon\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_icon\",\"feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_link\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_link\",\"feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"#e2ebf7\",\"_feature_row_cards_0_card_color\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_card_color\",\"feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"Mathematics \",\"_feature_row_cards_0_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_cards_headline\",\"feature_row_cards_0_subheading\":\"Belonging-centered instruction focused on the critical topics of ratios, expressions \\u0026amp; 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education.\",\"_stat_row_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"3,000+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"students reached through Spark Math\u2019s work with the EF+Math Program\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"5\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"district partners involved in research and 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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By connecting EFs to math, games, and students' own worlds from the start, the unit positions all students as capable math learners.\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"Asset-based approach to executive function skill development positions executive function skills as tools that give students agency over their own learning\",\"_text_list_list_items_3_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_3_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math explicitly teaches students about working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility through accessible lessons, then provides ongoing practice through \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/games\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003egames\\u003c\/a\\u003e like \\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/saga.org\/equivacards-the-fun-math-card-game-for-fluency-blog\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noopener\\u0022\\u003eEquivacards\\u003c\/a\\u003e (a unique take on the Uno card game), Set, and Rat-a-Tat Cat that integrate multiple EF skill demands with math content. 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Perkins is a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder.","bio":"","projects":[{"ID":522,"title":"Spark Math","altTitle":"Spark Math","subtitle":null,"url":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/project\/spark-math\/","slug":"spark-math","content":"<!-- wp:acf\/feature-row {\"name\":\"acf\/feature-row\",\"data\":{\"feature_row_headline\":\"Project Approach\",\"_feature_row_headline\":\"field_feature_row_feature_row_headline\",\"feature_row_subheading\":\"Spark Math\u2019s approach weaves together math, EFs, and equity to help students develop their understanding of key middle school concepts and confidence as mathematical 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education.\",\"_stat_row_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"3,000+\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"students reached through Spark Math\u2019s work with the EF+Math Program\\r\\n\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_0_stat_subheading\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_subheading\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"5\",\"_stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_headline\":\"field_stat_row_stat_row_stat_container_stat_headline\",\"stat_row_stat_container_1_stat_subheading\":\"district partners involved in research and 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. The program provides comprehensive materials, including print and digital workbooks, teacher guides, slide decks, dashboards, and both analog and digital EF skill building games. This modular design allows educators to adapt resources to their specific classroom contexts while supporting deep mathematical understanding across key sixth grade topics.\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"Adaptive virtual world connects math and executive function skill practice through game-based exploration\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math's Skye Adaptive Practice Virtual World reimagines math practice as an immersive learning experience. 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partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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{\"name\":\"acf\/text-list\",\"data\":{\"text_list_headline\":\"Key Insights and Innovations \",\"_text_list_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"Modular units provide flexible curriculum that adapts to classroom needs\",\"_text_list_list_items_0_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_0_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math is organized as four flexible replacement units\u2014Community Building \\u0026amp; Executive Function Skills, Making Sense of Ratios, Expressions \\u0026amp; Equations, and Statistics\u2014that can be implemented independently or as a complete sequence. 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19:28:34","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/wp\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":370,"height":370,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","medium_large-width":370,"medium_large-height":370,"large":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","large-width":370,"large-height":370,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","1536x1536-width":370,"1536x1536-height":370,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","2048x2048-width":370,"2048x2048-height":370,"w320":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117-320x320.jpg","w320-width":320,"w320-height":320,"w640":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","w640-width":370,"w640-height":370,"w1280":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","w1280-width":370,"w1280-height":370,"w1920":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","w1920-width":370,"w1920-height":370,"w2560":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","w2560-width":370,"w2560-height":370,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117-300x300.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":300,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":370,"gform-image-choice-md-height":370,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Priti-Shah-e1766008781117.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":370,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":370}},"social_links":{"linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/priti-shah-6a81183\/","facebook":"","x_twitter":"","email":""},"intro_text":"Priti 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The environment blends adaptive asset-based EF skill activities, PhET simulations, and \\u0022Cinema\\u0022 videos showcasing diverse mathematicians, creating a structure for independent and collaborative learning that motivates students, supports transfer of EFs to math problem solving, and provides a responsive environment for students to receive feedback.\",\"_text_list_list_items_1_list_item_subheading\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_subheading\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"Community building unit establishes foundation for math identity and executive function skill development\",\"_text_list_list_items_2_list_item_headline\":\"field_text_list_text_list_list_items_list_item_headline\",\"text_list_list_items_2_list_item_subheading\":\"Spark Math opens with a Community Building unit designed to create a strong classroom culture before diving into math content. 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the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of Michigan; and Virginia Tech, and with collaboration from Blackhawk Technical College, Lehigh University, and Silvis Materials.\",\"_text_row_content\":\"field_text_row_text_row_content\",\"text_row_buttons\":\"\",\"_text_row_buttons\":\"field_text_row_text_row_buttons\",\"text_row_alignment\":\"left\",\"_text_row_alignment\":\"field_text_row_text_row_alignment\",\"text_row\":\"\",\"_text_row\":\"field_text_row_text_row\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5475\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:acf\/full-width-cta {\"name\":\"acf\/full-width-cta\",\"data\":{\"full_width_cta_headline\":\"Explore Our R\\u0026D Projects\",\"_full_width_cta_headline\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_headline\",\"full_width_cta_subheading\":\"The EF+Math portfolio of R\\u0026D projects developed innovative math learning products and advanced research on mathematics learning, executive function skills, and equitable learning experiences using inclusive R\\u0026D methods.\",\"_full_width_cta_subheading\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_subheading\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":{\"title\":\"View All R\\u0026D Projects\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/projects\/\",\"target\":\"\"},\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button\",\"full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"primary\",\"_full_width_cta_buttons_0_button_style\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons_button_style\",\"full_width_cta_buttons\":1,\"_full_width_cta_buttons\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta_buttons\",\"full_width_cta\":\"\",\"_full_width_cta\":\"field_full_width_cta_full_width_cta\"},\"mode\":\"edit\",\"id\":\"acf-block-6980fe7bc5487\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","description":"","objectType":"Project","project-type":[{"name":"Pilot Study","slug":"pilot-study","term_taxonomy_id":30,"taxonomy":"project-type"},{"name":"Product","slug":"product","term_taxonomy_id":28,"taxonomy":"project-type"}],"author":"Editorial Team","date":"December 8, 2025","pubDate":"2025-12-08 21:04:13","attachment":{"ID":1233,"src":"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg","img":"<img width=\"918\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg\" class=\"block w-full h-full object-cover object-center relative z-10\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image.jpg 918w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-320x235.jpg 320w, https:\/\/efmathprogram.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Spark-Math_Feature-Image-640x470.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px\" \/>"},"meta":[]}]}}}],"additional_members":false,"advanced_accordion":null,"advanced_block_options":{"message_field_message":null}}}},{"blockName":"acf\/text-row","attrs":{"name":"acf\/text-row","data":{"text_row_headline":"Acknowledgments","_text_row_headline":"field_text_row_text_row_headline","text_row_subheading":"","_text_row_subheading":"field_text_row_text_row_subheading","text_row_content":"We gratefully acknowledge the leadership of Saga Education, in partnership with sub-award recipients at the University of California, Davis; 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