Los Angeles Math Engagement Initiative

Geographic Scope: Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), California; specifically schools supported by Partnership for Los Angeles Schools

Focus Areas: Math education, family engagement, early literacy, educational equity

Overview:
The Masons of California, in partnership with Center for Family Math, Raising a Reader, PowerMyLearning, and Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, announced a three-year, $968,000 investment to improve math outcomes for young students. The initiative funds family math engagement programs and resources supporting 1,000 transitional kindergarten through second grade students attending high-need schools in LAUSD.

Award Details:

• Total Investment: $968,000 over three years
• Student Population: 1,000 TK-2nd grade students at high-need LAUSD schools
• Focus: Bridge math opportunity gaps and ensure strong foundation in mathematics

Program Components:

1. Raising a Reader: Provides 1,000 families with math-themed books, games, and guides
2. PowerMyLearning: Family Playlists—play-based "learning by teaching" math activities aligned with classroom curricula for 1,000 students; targeted professional learning for teachers
3. Center for Family Math: Resource curation and professional learning opportunities to emphasize family math importance
4. Partnership for Los Angeles Schools: Teacher support with high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), professional development, and coaching

Key Features:

• Multilingual guides and technology-based materials
• Age-appropriate math-focused books and games
• Play-based math activities
• Virtual parent and educator workshops
• Comprehensive family engagement program bridging school and home learning

Context:

• 2023-24 CASPP results: Only ~33% of California students proficient/advanced in math
• Disparities: 17% (Black students), 23% (Hispanic students), 23% (low-income students)
• Research shows early family engagement significantly boosts math achievement
• U.S. ranks 25th globally in math literacy

Contact:

• California Masonic Foundation
• Phone: (415) 776-7000
• Email: memberservices@freemason.org
• Website: freemason.org