Number Worlds Brings Rigor and Results to Pittsburgh's Summer Dreamers Academy

The case study examines the implementation of Number Worlds, a blended-learning math intervention program for grades PreK–8, in Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Public Schools, an urban district serving 25,000 K–12 students across 54 schools, introduced Number Worlds in its Summer Dreamers Academy, a no-cost summer learning camp. The program was used to support middle school math students, including those struggling with foundational skills and high-achieving students aiming to strengthen their abilities. Lessons were structured into instructional blocks combining content from Number Worlds with project-based learning and games.

Outcomes focused on student engagement, skill improvement, and teacher satisfaction. Results from the 2015 session showed 78% of students enjoyed math class, 81% reported improved math skills, and 88% of teachers found the curriculum clear and easy to follow. Teachers appreciated the program’s flexibility and its ability to address diverse learning needs, including language barriers. Activities emphasized problem-solving and real-world connections, fostering number sense and reducing math anxiety. The case study highlights Number Worlds’ adaptability for regular school use and its effectiveness in improving math outcomes.