Assessment Math Foundations has developed the Assessment of Foundational Math Understanding (AFMU) to diagnose the multiple ways a student may be struggling in math. Though other assessment such as the Accuplacer and TABE can identify what a student doesn't understand, the AFMU can tell a teacher why -the basic knowledge gaps that should be addressed. The AFMU is different than current diagnostic assessments on the market because it tests for five key behaviors that our research has found in students with strong math foundations: Communication Fluency Base Ten Understanding Tool Use Number Sense The AFMU provides a detailed report of the extent of student understanding within specific content domains. The AFMU provides possible explanations for why a student doesn't understand specific math concepts. This invaluable information provides the blueprint for developing an effective remediation program.

Remediation Having effective assessment of students' foundational math understanding is only the first step for getting students back on track. This is even more important when the individual is a returning adult student with specific learning needs. Students need customized remediation that focuses on developing mastery of the five behaviors of foundational math understanding. Math Foundations' remediation program focuses on developing these five behaviors. Our remediation program consists of modules that have been designed as a result of actual interaction with struggling math students. Our modules consider every part of the learning process including the environment and materials. Each module takes students from a fragile understanding to mastery and includes ongoing assessment of student growth. Once students have developed these critical skills, they are better prepared for success in subsequent math courses.

Teacher Training Math Foundations believes that no program is successful without strong teachers to facilitate the learning process. The final link in the SMART program is a strong professional development component. We support schools and organizations through on-site teacher training as well as web-based seminars and follow up support. Our training uses the hundreds of hours of video that we have collected during task-based math interviews of struggling students. These video provide a greater understanding of the multiple ways students become confused about math and help teachers to facilitate more effective instruction.