ODE Offers Free Access to ZEARN Math Learning Platform to Ohio Schools & Students

The Ohio Department of Education, in partnership with Zearn, is providing an online differentiated learning opportunity to accelerate math learning for Ohio students in grades 6-8. To support Ohio educators with providing differentiated middle school math support, the Department is offering free access to Zearn Math, a top-rated math learning platform to reinforce and deepen grade-level learning. Zearn Math provides high-quality instructional materials, including digital math lessons with built-in differentiated support right when students need it. All Ohio districts and schools serving students in grades 6-8 may begin onboarding in the fall, with access to resources beginning in the winter and continuing through June 30, 2025.

INFORMATION:

• Program details, informational slide decks, vendor overview webinar registration: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Mathematics/Resources-for-Mathematics/Accelerating-Learning-in-Mathematics
• Zearn information and resources: https://about.zearn.org/ohio

Zearn’s approach is to work with students to continue to move forward at grade level while also catching up. Under the initiative, eligible schools service grades 6-8 and are traditional public, chartered nonpublic and community schools. Schools and districts opt in to participate. 

Participating schools/districts get access to a digital platform, training and tech assistance. Access is available January 2024. There will also be “Anchor schools”. Anchor schools receive more intensive supports - onsite training, coaching, additional materials. Anchor schools start now (prior to other schools); the selection process for anchor schools was based on a math intent survey sent out by the Department this past spring and by a review of report cards and related academic achievement related data.

HOW THIS EFFORT INCLUDES ESCS:

• OESCA and ESCs are being asked to communicate on program, webinars, etc.  ESCs are being asked to include Zearn in superintendent, building administrator, and curriculum director meetings locally.
• ESCs are being asked to go through training to support their client districts and schools in implementation.
• ESCs, where appropriate, may go through the training side-by-side with the anchor schools.
• ESCs are NOT being asked to be trainers; this is NOT a train-the-trainer model.
• OESCA is being asked to provide a venue to share information via biweekly Superintendent meetings, Reframing Education network, and the OESCA Fall Conference.