Equals Mathematics is a multi-sensory math curriculum that uses hands-on tools to bring math concepts to life. It helps students with disabilities understand and solve problems. With engaging math manipulatives, it helps all learners build foundational math skills.
Equals Mathematics combines print materials, manipulatives and digital tools to provide a holistic, engaging and effective learning experience for everyone.
Equals Mathematics includes a robust set of print resources, such as educator guides, lesson plans and assessments. These materials are designed to help teachers implement lessons with ease, supporting students as they build foundational math skills. The print materials are organized to ensure ease of use, making it simple for educators to follow structured lessons and adapt instruction based on students' individual needs.
The Equals Manipulative Kit is an essential part of the program, offering a wide array of physical tools such as pattern blocks, fraction strips, counters, and measurement instruments. These manipulatives are designed to make abstract math concepts more accessible and engaging. Students can use the manipulatives to actively engage in hands-on activities that reinforce math concepts and promote deeper understanding.
Equals Mathematics is the perfect companion to the Unique Learning System (ULS) content, lessons, and activities. The ULS content supports learning inside and outside the classroom. These offer print and digital math activities, real-time progress tracking, and support resources for whole group, small group, or one-on-one instruction. The ULS content complements the Equals Mathematics print materials and manipulatives, providing additional support for differentiated instruction. Best of all, the activities can be accessed anywhere, making it easier for educators to create flexible learning environments that meet the needs of all students—including neurodivergent individuals.
A hands-on, engaging way to make math ‘click’ for every student.
With 444 interactive math lessons that cover numbers, algebra and measurement, students learn by doing. They use hands-on activities to understand math concepts, practice skills and learn math vocabulary and build foundational math skills.
Equals Mathematics helps educators to understand where students are at with their learning. This includes structured tools for teaching math to students with disabilities. Educators can track student progress and adjust their instruction as needed.
With complete lesson plans, assessments and math manipulatives, Equals Mathematics saves educators valuable planning time. It’s backed by research and is aligned to curriculum standards, making a real impact for diverse classrooms.
Simplify math concepts, save time on reporting and create a neuroinclusive classroom.
Research-driven learning: Help students succeed and learn at their own pace with proven teaching methods and standards-based instruction.
Detailed assessment tools: Get insights into student progress through formal and informal assessment to guide instruction, IEP and SMART goals.
Interactive learning resources: The Equals Math Manipulative Kits make complex concepts easier to understand, using interactive math manipulatives to engage students as they learn.
Easy reporting and monitoring: Easily track student progress in real time with clear reports to monitor IEP (Individualized Education Programs) goals and adjust teaching as needed.
The Equals Math curriculum equips educators with everything they need for effective, adaptable instruction.
Print and digital resources: Includes educator's guides, a quick start guide, assessments, workmats, posters, theme cards, and digital tools to simplify lesson delivery and planning.
A variety of tools bring math concepts to life and make learning engaging and accessible.
Equals Mathematics seamlessly integrates with Unique Learning System to provide digital content that can be used in whole-group, small-group or individual settings.
Teachers have full flexibility to follow Equals Mathematics lesson plans, tailoring instruction to meet students' needs.
What's included:
SIIA CODiE Awards 2020
Tech Week 2021
Technology Education for 2024
Sidney Patnoe-Hagelberger, DPED DCD at Dowling Elementary, Minneapolis Public Schools
According to the Equals Math Curriculum White Paper (Ross-Brown & Satterfield, 2017), students demonstrated significant progress using the program.
Students showed an average improvement of 41% as measured by the Equals assessment.
growth for level 1 students.
development for level 2 students.
progress gain for level 2 autistic students.
improvement for level 3 students with intellectual disabilities (such as neurodivergent profiles).
growth for level 3 students with development disabilities.
How does Equals support specially designed instruction (SDI)?
Specially designed instruction (SDI) helps students with disabilities succeed in general education by helping them meet grade-level standards. SDI helps educators to tailor teaching to each student’s needs. Equals Mathematics offers an adapted math curriculum aligned with grade-level standards, supporting students to build their skills from the ground up and work towards being ready for their grade level.
How are Equals mathematics lessons structured?
Equals lessons follow math practices required by every state and Common Core standards. This includes problem solving, using different ways to represent ideas, connecting math to real-life situations, reasoning and effective communication. Equals also incorporates successful teaching methods found in general education, such as vocabulary instruction, group problem-solving, hands-on activities, games, and opportunities for communication.
What are some adaptations, supports and differentiation stages used in Equals Mathematics?
Some examples of adaptions and supports include:
These strategies work together to create a supportive learning environment that effectively addresses the diverse needs of all students, and ensures they receive the appropriate resources for their academic and personal development.
How are students grouped in the Equals Mathematics curriculum?
Students are grouped based on their current math knowledge. This helps them to gain skills and move closer to their grade level. Lessons are organized to build on from each other, helping students progress to more advanced, grade-level content.
How do we get teachers to start with the Equals Mathematics curriculum without it feeling overwhelming?
At the beginning, we suggest spending about one to two hours organizing the curriculum. Educators should set up all materials in a dedicated math area for easy access during lessons. There’s a step-by-step organization guide in the Overview Manual to help with this process. The curriculum includes plastic bags and labels for easy organization, and a pre-recorded webinar called "Overview and Organization" is also available for support.
How long does it take to teach an Equals Mathematics lesson?
Each Equals lesson is designed to be taught over one to two weeks. It is recommended to do one to two lesson activities per day. It's important to take it slow at first, giving students time to get used to the materials and structure of the lessons, while also allowing educators to familiarize themselves with them.
What if neurodivergent students do not write or communicate like their neurotypical peers?
If students use text-to-speech software or devices, this should be used during all Equals Mathematics lessons. There is a library of AAC pic-symbols to help teachers create math pages for these devices and software. The Action Dictionary also serves as a guide to support student participation in lessons.
Where are functional skills taught in the curriculum?
Equals Mathematics is built on the idea that all math is functional. This means that students learn to use math concepts through the lens of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Process Areas, which include Communication, Representations, Connections, Problem Solving, and Reasoning and Proof. Each lesson touches on these areas to help students apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
What are the benefits of the math manipulatives kit? We already have manipulatives of our own.
The Equals Manipulative Kit is designed to enhance student accessibility and engagement through a research-based approach. It’s more than just a set of manipulatives—it's a key component of a comprehensive program that includes print materials, the manipulative kit and digital tools. This variety supports students of all academic levels, including neurodivergent students, by providing multisensory learning experiences that are proven to improve math understanding. The workmats, student tools and posters in the kit are specifically sized to fit the manipulatives, ensuring students can communicate, engage and solve problems effectively. Using a unified set of materials provides a consistent, structured learning experience.
How do students learn math with math manipulatives?
With manipulatives, students can learn counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, and more. They help students strengthen their problem-solving skills and understand math concepts through interactive activities.
What skills do math manipulatives improve?
Math manipulatives improve a range of skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, spatial reasoning and math fluency. They help students develop foundational math skills, connect functional math to abstract ideas, and enhance essential life skills. By engaging with manipulatives, students also strengthen their understanding of math concepts through real-world problem-solving activities, improving both engagement and retention. Manipulatives support the development of math vocabulary, helping students better articulate and comprehend mathematical ideas.
How do you use math manipulatives?
Math manipulatives can be used in a variety of ways, such as counting exercises, solving equations, and understanding fractions. Educators can add manipulatives into lessons, helping students to physically visualize work through math problems.
How do students access grade-level standards with Equals Mathematics?
The Equals program seamlessly integrates with Unique Learning System, providing companion digital content that can be used in whole-group, small-group, or individual settings. Teachers have full flexibility to follow Equals lesson plans, tailoring instruction to meet students' needs. The structured lessons in Equals help students build foundational math skills while connecting key concepts, supporting progress toward grade-level standards. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can access the content at their own pace and continue progressing toward grade-level expectations.
How is Equals Mathematics supported by research-based practices?
The Equals Mathematics program incorporates evidence-based practices and research-supported strategies designed to enhance math learning for all students, especially those with special needs. These strategies include multisensory approaches, concrete manipulatives and differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. The use of these established methods ensures that students receive effective support in mastering foundational math concepts, enabling them to progress at their own pace while achieving success in math.