Efficacy Study of McGraw Hill's Reveal Math Program

The study evaluates McGraw Hill's Reveal Math program, an elementary math curriculum designed to foster problem-solving skills through inquiry-focused and teacher-guided instructional strategies. The research included Grades K–5 students across 23 elementary schools in two Midwestern districts: one suburban district (District 1) and one urban district (District 2). The sample comprised 8,625 students, with nearly equal percentages of Black and White students (35% each) and 18% Hispanic students.

The study employed a quasi-experimental design (QED) to compare math achievement gains between students using Reveal Math and a virtual comparison group matched on demographics, prior achievement, and school characteristics.

Results showed a small but statistically significant positive impact of Reveal Math, with students outgaining the comparison group by approximately 0.8 points overall. Positive effects were strongest in Grades 3–5, where students outperformed their peers by 2-3 points, while in Grades K–1, comparison students outscored Reveal Math students by 1-2 points. Teachers generally perceived the program positively, citing benefits for student engagement and achievement in later grades, though concerns were raised about its suitability for specific student populations such as SPED and ELL.