This proposal seeks funding to implement Pear Deck, an interactive educational platform, into our elementary math classrooms (Grade 3). Pear Deck transforms traditional lessons into active learning experiences that foster deeper conceptual understanding, real-time feedback, and inclusive participation. By integrating Pear Deck into daily math instruction, we aim to improve student engagement and academic outcomes in foundational math concepts, while equipping our 3rd grade teachers with powerful data tools to track student understanding and guide instruction.

Math achievement at the elementary level is foundational for long-term academic success. However, recent performance data at Barrett Elementary shows: • Only 61% of students in 3rd Grade met proficiency in math on the most recent state assessment. • 42% of students identified math as the “most difficult subject” in school (2024 student engagement survey). • Teachers report that passive learning environments and limited formative feedback tools are barriers to effective math instruction. Pear Deck addresses these challenges by: • Encouraging 100% student participation through interactive slides. • Providing instant insight into student thinking during lessons. • Supporting visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners through multimedia and response tools.

Goal: To increase student engagement, understanding, and achievement in elementary math through daily integration of Pear Deck. 3rd Grade Daily Usage Examples: • Students drag and drop shapes to identify attributes (geometry). • Respond to estimation questions with drawing and number models. • Solve and explain multi-step word problems using open text or audio responses. Pear Deck will be integrated with existing tools like Google Slides and used with iPads already in student hands. National studies and school-based pilots have shown the success of Pear Deck: • In a 2022 study by the Digital Promise Research Center, schools using Pear Deck in math instruction saw a 31% increase in student participation and a 17% improvement in math scores over one semester. • A 2023 pilot in Cobb County, GA, reported a 22% increase in math proficiency among 3rd graders using Pear Deck for at least 3 lessons per week. • Teachers across multiple districts reported a 75% increase in formative feedback capacity, helping them quickly identify and address misconceptions. Elementary math success sets the stage for lifelong academic achievement. By integrating Pear Deck into our classrooms, we will empower teachers to create engaging, responsive, and inclusive lessons that meet the needs of every learner. This grant will allow us to bridge the gap between digital innovation and everyday classroom learning—ensuring that every child has the tools to thrive in math and beyond.