Building on the Successes of the FasterMath Program: Endline Results and Future Prospects
We’ve been implementing our accelerated learning program for foundational numeracy skills, “FasterMath”, in 123 Freetown schools since January 2023 and are delighted to share the endline results which were collected in July 2024. The program has been evaluated through a randomized controlled trial which focused on student learning, teacher knowledge, and overall educational outcomes.
A Proven Impact on Numeracy Skills
Over the 18-month evaluation, FasterMath demonstrated a substantial positive effect on students' math proficiency. The program delivered a large 0.22 standard deviation (SD) improvement in overall math outcomes. This improvement was primarily driven by better performance in 1-digit and 2-digit addition and subtraction, which improved by 0.19 SD and 0.14 SD, respectively. Additionally, problem-solving skills—a critical area in foundational numeracy—saw a significant 0.27 SD increase.
One of the most compelling findings is the program's success in reducing the percentage of students scoring zero on basic math operations. FasterMath led to a reduction of 3 to 4.6 percentage points in zero-scorers for addition and subtraction tasks. This reduction highlights the program’s ability to close fundamental knowledge gaps and bring struggling students up to speed with their peers.
The effects were even more pronounced in upper primary grades, where students benefited from two years of continuous exposure to the program. Students in grades 5 and 6, in particular, demonstrated the largest gains, with a compounding effect from sustained participation in FasterMath. Lower primary students, although fewer in number, also exhibited positive trends, suggesting the potential for even greater impact as the program reaches more schools and students across different grade levels.
This graph shows the program’s positive effect on different numeracy skills such as 1-digit addition and subtraction, 2-digit addition and subtraction, and word problems.
This graph displays the positive grade-level impact, with larger gains in upper primary grades.
This graph shows the reduction in zero-scorers, a key indicator of the program’s success in helping students who initially struggled with basic math skills.
Empowering Teachers to Deliver Long-Lasting Results
FasterMath's success goes beyond student outcomes. The program has also empowered teachers by significantly enhancing their math content knowledge and pedagogical skills. Teachers who participated in the program improved their knowledge by 12.13 percentage points, a gain equivalent to 0.60 SD. This result is crucial for sustaining student gains, as teachers are better equipped to deliver effective math instruction long after the program concludes.
The continuous professional development offered through FasterMath has played a central role in these improvements. Teachers received ongoing support from Cluster Mentors, who provided fortnightly coaching and feedback sessions. The use of detailed lesson guides and instructional resources also ensured that teachers could deliver high-quality, level-appropriate instruction with confidence.
Building a Scalable and Cost-Effective Model
One of the most exciting aspects of the FasterMath program is its scalability and cost-effectiveness. Implemented alongside regular math classes within existing school structures, the program cost approximately $15 per student per year. This makes FasterMath a highly viable solution for improving foundational numeracy at scale, especially in low-resource settings. As the program expands, these costs are expected to decrease even further, with projections suggesting the cost could drop below $10 per student when the program reaches more schools.
In the context of Sierra Leone’s education system, where resources are often limited, the scalability of FasterMath is a key factor. The program’s success has been achieved within government-run schools, using trained government teachers and existing infrastructure. This makes it a feasible option for further expansion, both within Freetown and across the country.
What’s Next: Scaling for Broader Impact
Looking ahead, Rising Academies is committed to scaling FasterMath to reach more students and schools in Sierra Leone. In the 2024/25 academic year, the program aims to extend its reach to 241 schools in Freetown, covering even more students than before. Moreover, Rising is in discussions with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to offer FasterMath to additional public schools outside of Freetown, expanding its reach across the country.
A key focus for the next phase of the program will be embedding FasterMath into government systems to ensure long-term sustainability. By working closely with school leaders and government partners, Rising aims to transfer more of the program's delivery and oversight to local authorities. This will not only reduce costs but also empower schools to take ownership of the program and ensure its continued success.