ExploreLearning Frax uses the latest research to help students develop a foundational understanding of fractions through adaptive and engaging learning. Frax is a zero-entry program that allows all students to improve their fractions knowledge and build confidence as they complete carefully scaffolded fraction games.
In Frax Sector 1, students venture through 27 missions as they develop a conceptual understanding of fractions as numbers. With a relatively modest investment of time (on average 13 hours of instructional time to complete Sector 1), students of all ability levels can succeed with fractions, creating immediate achievement gains and eliminating major barriers to future success and opportunity.
New research measured Frax's impact on at-risk students’ math proficiency in a moderate-sized, suburban public school district in California.
Examining the research impact
Between 2023 and 2024, 100+ 3rd- and 4th-grade students in the district completed Frax Sector 1.
Researchers measured the differences in students' math achievement by comparing i-Ready Diagnostic assessments at the start and end of the school year and Smarter Balanced Math Summative Assessments. They compared year-over-year math growth and achievement of grade-level math standards for students who completed Sector 1 to a similar performing group of students who did not use Frax.
Students sampled for the study
The primary function of baseline diagnostic assessments is to make appropriate instructional recommendations for students performing at different levels. All students in the research sample required additional academic intervention, scoring one level below grade level on fall diagnostic math tests.
53% of students were classified as economically disadvantaged. 83% of students were non-White, 50% Hispanic, and 18% were English language learners.
Key finding: Students who used Frax were more likely to meet math grade-level standards on summative assessments
Frax supported more students in achieving grade-level proficiency standards on the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment. 81% of students who used Frax met (37%) or exceeded (44%) math proficiency standards, despite starting the school year scoring one level below grade level.
Key finding: Frax students were 2.5x more likely to meet ambitious math growth goals
Many diagnostic progress monitoring assessments, such as i-Ready or NWEA MAP, provide teachers with individualized growth goals for students so that they can set ambitious and accelerated targets to help them move toward proficiency over time. Students who meet these goals—regardless of their baseline achievement levels—are more likely to achieve grade-level proficiency, establishing a strong foundation for academic success in higher grades, boosting self-confidence, and opening doors to further educational opportunities.
In this study, students who used Frax were 1.9x more likely to meet typical growth goals and 2.5x more likely to reach stretch goals compared to non-users. This means that more than twice as many students in a classroom will be put on the path towards positive long-term educational outcomes when using Frax compared to traditional instruction.
Key finding: Frax accelerated student math growth compared to previous years
Researchers wanted to look for additional evidence of a causal relationship between Frax usage and student growth, leading them to examine student growth from previous school years.
In the 2022-2023 school year, all students demonstrated similar rates of growth. However, in the 2023-2024 school year, growth rates were strongly different across Frax usage groups. Students who did not use Frax were less likely to meet their diagnostic growth goals compared to their performance in the prior year. Meanwhile, students who used Frax were more likely to meet their growth goals in the 2023-2024 school year compared to the prior year. This finding establishes that while both groups were similar at baseline levels, Frax usage predicted growth in the current school year.
Experience the Frax impact
Findings from this year-over-year research reveal the impact Frax can have not only on students' understanding of fractions but also on their overall math proficiency and growth—all in a short period of time.
In just 13 hours, students can complete Frax Sector 1 to build a foundational understanding of fractions and dramatically impact their future math success.
Are you ready to experience the Frax difference with your students? Contact us for pilot information, or get started today with a free classroom trial!
