“Because math knowledge is cumulative, once children fall behind in math, it is very difficult to catch up,” says WestEd’s Alice Klein. For this reason, focusing on math early on has the potential to make a long-term difference for children’s academic success.

Toward this end, Klein and WestEd’s Prentice Starkey developed a Pre-K Mathematics program aimed in particular at children from low-income families who generally begin school with lower math knowledge and skills than more advantaged peers.

Pre-K Mathematics features small-group instruction, home activities, and professional learning, all geared to promote high-quality teaching and learning. Several studies, including a large-scale randomized controlled trial currently underway, have demonstrated Pre-K Mathematics’ positive impact.

To learn more, read this R&D Alert Online article.