Zearn, the creator of Zearn Math, an evidence-based math program used by 1 in 4 elementary school students in the U.S., saw an immediate surge in educator, parent, and student demand once schools shut down due to COVID-19. In the first week of remote learning, sign-ups for Zearn’s free instructional materials–including 400+ hours of dynamic digital lessons–increased 1,000%, with over 70% coming from students in Title I eligible schools.
Our funding helps Zearn, which serves one in four elementary students in the U.S., meet this increased demand. Zearn over-indexes toward serving schools and districts in high-need areas. 72% of school accounts are in high-FRL schools; the organization reaches 32% of the Black K-5 children and 26% of the Hispanic children in the country. Our grant also supports Zearn in making its program more culturally engaging and responsive, as well as increasing the focus on both teacher training and parent engagement. .
Students who use Zearn are more active and consistent, exhibiting behaviors that predict strong math learning. Past studies of Zearn have found that learning with Zearn Math increases student achievement and engagement with math—for all kids. Students who complete daily digital lessons alongside instruction have double the learning gains of a typical year of instruction. A study covering 150K students in Louisiana public elementary schools found that high Zearn Math usage was associated with improved state test scores. Researchers compared 2018–19 LEAP scores across nearly 800 Louisiana public elementary schools and found that schools with high Zearn Math usage saw a greater proportion of students reach the Mastery level (or higher) relative to schools with low/no Zearn Math usage.
Enhancing each stage of childhood learning, from birth to high school.
Overdeck Family Foundation focuses exclusively on education, providing funding across four focus areas that encompass the whole child from birth through high school both inside and outside the classroom.