Rapid Response: Studies of Mathematics Software Programs

This resource was developed in response to a request: "A state department of education (SDE) requested information regarding the use of the My Math Lab project and similar math software programs (i.e., Plato, Aleks, Math in Focus,and others). The client is specifically interested in obtaining information on the effectiveness of math software programs in practice." In response to this request, staff conducted web-based and hand searches of literature and other resources to obtain information on the topic. The staff selected for inclusion in this report mathematics software products based on the following criteria:

• Specific products that were requested by the client
• Products with studies available that were evaluated in accordance with the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence review protocol for elementary school mathematics interventions (WWC, 2009d) and evidence review protocol for middle school mathematics interventions (WWC, 2009e)
• Products for which studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals and in other publications