ANDE is grounded in the idea that adults learn mathematics best when it is connected to their lives. Each mini-course centers on authentic scenarios drawn from personal, workplace, and civic contexts, helping learners make sense of mathematics in ways that are relevant and practical. Rather than focusing on isolated procedures, the curriculum emphasizes reasoning, problem solving, and the application of quantitative ideas in meaningful situations.
Adult Numeracy in the Digital Era (ANDE)
Reimagining adult math through real-world problem solving and collaborative learning
Adult Numeracy in the Digital Era (ANDE) is a sequence of four mini-courses designed to transform adult mathematics education by integrating essential numeracy with digital literacy. Developed by WestEd in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and World Education, Inc., and supported by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), ANDE replaces traditional rote memorization with a rich, contextualized curriculum where learners work together to solve meaningful, real-world problems. Through discussion-based learning and thoughtfully designed instructional routines, the course supports deep understanding and engagement.
Why OER?
ANDE materials are offered as Open Educational Resources to expand access to high-quality, research-based mathematics learning while removing cost barriers for learners, reflecting ANDE's commitment to opportunity. ANDE is grounded in the belief that all educators should have the flexibility to adapt and build on materials to meet their learners’ needs, ensuring relevant, inclusive, and empowering learning experiences for all. ANDE materials are licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0, which allows educators to freely use, adapt, and share the materials for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution, supporting both access and responsible customization.
Why OER?
ANDE materials are offered as Open Educational Resources to expand access to high-quality, research-based mathematics learning while removing cost barriers for learners, reflecting ANDE's commitment to opportunity. ANDE is grounded in the belief that all educators should have the flexibility to adapt and build on materials to meet their learners’ needs, ensuring relevant, inclusive, and empowering learning experiences for all. ANDE materials are licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0, which allows educators to freely use, adapt, and share the materials for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution, supporting both access and responsible customization.
Preliminary Findings
- A quasi-experimental design found that ANDE adult learners scored statistically higher on an assessment of number systems and ratios/proportions than adult learners in classes that taught math without ANDE.
- ANDE was particularly effective for students of EFL levels 2 and 3.
- ANDE instructors were more likely to teach using whole class discussion and small group instructional methods than non-ANDE instructors.
What makes ANDE different?
Rich, Contextualized Curriculum
Discussion-based learning and instructor support
At the heart of ANDE are structured opportunities for learners to explain their thinking, respond to others, and compare multiple solution strategies. These discussion-based routines are designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and foster a collaborative classroom culture. To support this work, ANDE includes dedicated guidance and professional learning for instructors, helping them facilitate productive mathematical conversations and implement the course effectively across a range of adult education settings.
About WestEd
WestEd is a non-profit research and service agency that works with education communities to promote excellence and equity. Our Mathematics team brings decades of experience in developing evidence-based curricula and professional learning systems. Through the ANDE project, WestEd bridges the gap between research and the classroom, providing adult educators with the tools and training necessary to help every student succeed in a digital world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the ANDE instructional approach different?
ANDE shifts the focus from repetitive worksheets to collaborative problem-solving. Students spend class time working in groups, engaging in rich discussion to uncover the mathematical "why" behind the "how."
How does ANDE support the social and emotional needs of learners?
The course utilizes CIRCL supports. These interventions sit alongside the mini-courses to help learners overcome math anxiety, foster a growth mindset, and build a sense of academic belonging.
Who is the target audience for ANDE?
ANDE is designed for adult basic education learners at NRS Educational Functioning Levels 2 through 4 (middle school equivalent). It is particularly effective for diverse classrooms, including English Language Learners who benefit from the structured peer interaction and dialogue-based supports.
How can my organization access and use ANDE?
As an Open Educational Resource (OER) with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) license, ANDE is available for use and adaptation by non-commercial educational entities. This ensures that high-quality, research-based numeracy materials remain accessible to the broader adult education field.
At the heart of ANDE are structured opportunities for learners to explain their thinking, respond to others, and compare multiple solution strategies. These discussion-based routines are designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and foster a collaborative classroom culture. To support this work, ANDE includes dedicated guidance and professional learning for instructors, helping them facilitate productive mathematical conversations and implement the course effectively across a range of adult education settings.
About WestEd
WestEd is a non-profit research and service agency that works with education communities to promote excellence and equity. Our Mathematics team brings decades of experience in developing evidence-based curricula and professional learning systems. Through the ANDE project, WestEd bridges the gap between research and the classroom, providing adult educators with the tools and training necessary to help every student succeed in a digital world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the ANDE instructional approach different?
ANDE shifts the focus from repetitive worksheets to collaborative problem-solving. Students spend class time working in groups, engaging in rich discussion to uncover the mathematical "why" behind the "how."
How does ANDE support the social and emotional needs of learners?
The course utilizes CIRCL supports. These interventions sit alongside the mini-courses to help learners overcome math anxiety, foster a growth mindset, and build a sense of academic belonging.
Who is the target audience for ANDE?
ANDE is designed for adult basic education learners at NRS Educational Functioning Levels 2 through 4 (middle school equivalent). It is particularly effective for diverse classrooms, including English Language Learners who benefit from the structured peer interaction and dialogue-based supports.
How can my organization access and use ANDE?
As an Open Educational Resource (OER) with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) license, ANDE is available for use and adaptation by non-commercial educational entities. This ensures that high-quality, research-based numeracy materials remain accessible to the broader adult education field.
Explore ANDE for Your Classroom
- Explore the Materials: Dive into our rich, contextualized curriculum and see how collaborative tasks can transform your numeracy instruction.
- Sign Up for Professional Development: Join a cohort of fellow educators to gain the pedagogical skills and coaching needed to implement ANDE with confidence