21PSTEM Secures $9.9M Grant to Transform Math Education

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Wayne, PA-based 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education (21PSTEM) a $9.95 million grant to fund Mathematics Empowerment through Standards-Based Grading (ME-SBG), an innovative program designed to transform mathematics education for students and teachers. This five-year initiative will serve over 14,000 Grades 6-9 students in Pennsylvania and Portland, Oregon, empowering them to take ownership of their learning while providing teachers with comprehensive supports to enhance instruction. Plans are underway to recruit additional schools to participate in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) starting in the 2026-27 school year, evaluating the program’s potential for regional and national impact.

In 2022, only 26% of U.S. eighth graders performed at or above proficiency in math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, with proficiency rates significantly lower among historically underserved groups. ME-SBG addresses these challenges by fostering self-regulation, a growth mindset, and respect for students’ abilities through innovative assessment practices. The program’s cornerstone is the principle of “reassessment for full credit after further study,” helping students progress from not-yet-proficient to proficient—or even to high performance.

Building on the success of 21PSTEM’s earlier PARLO project, which demonstrated a 45% increase in math learning among algebra and geometry students, ME-SBG will overcome barriers to scalability by equipping teachers with robust resources. Supports include integration with district Learning Management Systems, an online library of teaching and assessment resources aligned with state math standards, and materials to help students adapt to their roles in the innovative grading system.

Collaborative Partnerships
ME-SBG is a collaborative effort among 21PSTEM and several key partners:
• Westat (Evaluation)
• Aurora Institute (School Recruitment and Dissemination Support)
• Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit 12 (School Recruitment and Training Support)
• Portland City Public Schools
• Interboro School District
• Jim Thorpe Area School District

These organizations will work together to remove barriers to standards-based grading and expand the program regionally.

Reimagining Mathematics Education
By empowering students to take control of their learning and equipping teachers with the tools they need to foster success, ME-SBG is poised to reimagine mathematics education for long-term, equitable impact.

About 21PSTEM
21PSTEM is a leader in advancing innovative educational practices through research and development. With a commitment to equity and excellence, the organization empowers schools, teachers, and students to achieve their highest potential.

For more information, visit 21PSTEM’s website.