Evaluation of TERC's Teaching Math Conceptually Initiative

Opening minds, one equation at a time.

Urban Demographics and Evaluation is partnering with TERC’s Adult Numeracy Center to evaluate its Teaching Math Conceptually program—an initiative designed to shift adult math instruction away from rote memorization and toward deep, conceptual understanding. This work addresses long-standing challenges in adult education, such as persistent math anxiety and procedural-heavy instruction, by supporting educators with equity-centered professional development and curriculum tools. The evaluation uses a participatory mixed-methods approach to measure the program’s impact on learners’ math comprehension, confidence, and real-world problem-solving skills. It also explores how conceptual teaching influences both student and teacher self-efficacy, mindset, and motivation.