Making Problem-Based Math Accessible for Every Student
The Proficiency Project helps educators strengthen problem-based instruction so every student can access grade-level math.
Designed for classrooms serving students with unfinished learning, English language learners, and students with IEPs.
Teachers implementing problem-based math often face a difficult reality.
Students arrive with different levels of readiness.
Some struggle with reading comprehension.
Others lack the foundational skills needed to begin the task.
The challenge isn’t the curriculum.
It’s ensuring every student can access grade-level mathematics.
Creating Access for Diverse Learners
We help educators add explicit instruction, fluency routines, and scaffolds to programs like Illustrative Mathematics®, that help students with unfinished learning engage successfully with grade-level content.
This approach is especially powerful for:
English learners
Students with IEPs
Students with significant skill gaps
We maintain the rigor, language routines, and problem-based structure of IM lessons. The difference is that we make grade-level math feel accessible to all students.
The Proficiency Project Framework
A structured lesson model that strengthens problem-based math instuction and improves access for diverse learners.
Fluency
Build automaticity and strengthen foundational math skills.
Teacher-Led Instruction
Explicit modeling and guided practice help students access problem-based tasks.
Independent Practice
Independent practice consolidates learning and builds mastery.
The Proficiency Project is for…
Teachers Using Illustrative Mathematics®
Strengthen lessons with explicit instruction, fluency routines, and scaffolds.
Instructional Coaches
Support teachers with a consistent framework for planning, modeling, and observing math instruction.
School Leaders
Align instructional practice across classrooms and strengthen Tier 1 math instruction.
The Proficiency Lab
Coming Soon!
Everything you need to bring The Proficiency Project to your classrooms.
Get on-demand access to implementation guidance, lesson structure walkthroughs, and practical strategies that make problem-based learning accessible to every student.
✔ On-Demand access to professional development on your own time from the comfort of your home.
✔ Step-by-step video lessons modeling explicit instruction, the Skill Focus graphic organizer and the Proficiency Project Framework.
✔ Guided walkthroughs of common misconceptions and intervention strategies.
✔ Build confidence and expertise with our growing video library covering instruction, learning science, classroom management, and more!
Free Resources
Ready to bring the Proficiency Project to your classroom? Download our free materials for teachers and school leaders.