Coherence Counts: Strengthening Coherence Between Core Math Instruction and Supplemental Digital Products
As school districts adopt high quality, standards-aligned math curricula, many continue to rely on supplemental programs to address varied student needs. When those supplemental tools are not well aligned with core instruction, they can fragment teaching and learning, increase demands on educators, and weaken instructional support for students.
These challenges highlight a critical need for greater coherence between core math curricula and supplemental instructional materials.
The Coherence Counts project addresses that need by focusing on how supplemental digital math programs can strengthen—rather than compete with—core instruction. The goal is to ensure classrooms provide connected, effective learning experiences that support both teachers and students.
Research‑Driven Approach to Coherent Supplemental Design
The initiative centers on research and development (R&D) and rigorous evaluation of digital supplemental math programs designed to complement high‑quality instructional materials (HQIM).
Key areas of focus include:
- Alignment with core curricula, with particular attention to Illustrative® Mathematics (IM);
- Design features that promote instructional coherence; and
- Implementation strategies that support teachers’ daily practice.
Through pilot studies, educator codesign, and comparative evaluation, the work identifies how digital supplemental products can reinforce core instruction rather than operate in isolation.
AIR’s Role and Partnerships
AIR serves as the research partner to the Gates Foundation for this work, leading the R&D and evaluation processes with up to three digital supplemental math products. AIR’s responsibilities include:
- Developing a coherence framework to assess and guide alignment with IM;
- Leading educator codesign activities, in partnership with Leanlab, to strengthen product coherence; and
- Conducting comparison studies to examine the impact of enhanced products on teacher practice and student learning outcomes.
Early findings are informing practical guidance for districts and developers on how to design, adopt, and scale supplemental digital products in ways that promote coherence with HQIM, support teachers, and improve student learning outcomes.
