The Proficiency Project Framework

Teaching rigorous mathematics is not the problem. Ensuring every student can access it is.

Across many classrooms, teachers are implementing strong problem-based curricula like Illustrative Mathematics®, yet a familiar challenge remains: students arrive with very different levels of readiness. Some struggle with reading the task. Others lack foundational skills. Many are several grade levels behind.

The Proficiency Project Framework helps teachers strengthen math instruction with clear structures that support access without lowering rigor.

Implement the Framework in Your Classroom

Fluency (15 minutes)

Daily review strengthens memory and protects previously learned skills.

Timed fact fluency routines build automaticity so students can engage in higher-level tasks with confidence.

  • Daily Review prompts students to recall previously learned concepts, reinforcing memory and strengthening long-term retention.

    Implementation:

    • 2 or 3 problems from yesterday, last week, or last month (spiral as needed)

    • Use a timer to keep track of time

    • Review answers and provide immediate feedback

    Learn More: Daily Review: A Low-Stakes Routine to Strengthen Memory

  • Fact fluency allows students to automatically recall basic math facts, freeing up working memory for more complex problem-solving.

    Implementation: 

    • 5-minute fluency sprints routine

    • Choral response to boost confidence and engagement

    • Track student progress and celebrate personal bests

    Learn more: 5-Minute Math Fact Fluency Routine

Teacher-Led Instruction (45 minutes)

We use the Illustrative Mathematics® problem-based curriculum and structure learning with explicit instruction to ensure every student can access grade-level mathematics.

  • Reviewing the student-facing learning goal helps students understand the purpose of the lesson, focus their attention on the most important concepts, and take ownership of their learning.

    Implementation: Briefly introduce and annotate the lesson’s learning goal with students, clearly connecting the goal to prior knowledge.

  • The Warm-Up activates prior knowledge, promotes mathematical thinking, and creates a low-stakes entry point into the lesson that encourages all students to engage with the day’s content.

    Implementation: Only spend 5 minutes of instructional time on this component.

    • Launch the activity (about 1 minute)

    • Provide students with work time and opportunities to discuss with a partner (about 1-2 minutes)

    • Collect student responses on the board and synthesize by connecting the material to the lesson’s learning target (2 minutes)

  • The Skill Focus graphic organizer is an instructional tool that helps teachers deliver explicit instruction.

    It breaks down concepts and procedures into clear, teachable steps.

    Implementation:

    • Complete the organizer on the smart board or projector.

    • Use think-alouds to model examples so that students can follow along

    • Include examples and non-examples

    • Use choral response and/or hand signals to check for understanding

    • Include strategic questioning without interrupting the flow of instruction

    Learn more: How to Use a Graphic Organizer to Strengthen Math Instruction

  • Lead students through guided practice using the lesson’s activity most aligned with the learning goal and standard.

    Implementation:

    • Launch the activity with the whole-group (Read and annotate the task using clear explanations)

    • Gradually release students to work in pairs or independently

    • Model, scaffold, and ask strategic questions as needed

    • Encourage engagement from all students (monitor and provide constant feedback)

    • Highlight and discuss student work samples

    Learn more: The Activity Block: Guided Practice That Builds Independence

  • The synthesis brings the class back together to reflect on key ideas, make connections, and solidify understanding of the lesson’s learning goal.

    Implementation:

    • Address misconceptions you noticed during the lesson

    • Invite reflection or note-taking (students can copy and/or review the Skill Focus)

    • Check for understanding before moving into the Cool Down

    Learn more: Lesson Synthesis: Turning Activity into Understanding

  • The Cool Down assesses whether students understood the day’s learning goal and provides formative data to inform next steps in instruction.

    Implementation:

    • Students should complete the Cool Down at the end of each lesson before independent practice

    • Collect, review, and grade promptly

    • Use data from the Cool Down to assess learning: Did at least 70% of students solve the problem correctly?

Systematic Practice (10+ minutes)

Students engage in aligned practice that reinforces the lesson’s core skill. Repetition is targeted and intentional, leading to mastery.

  • Begin to move the lesson’s learning target from short-term exposure to retrievable, usable knowledge.

    Implementation: Students complete additional practice problems directly aligned with the learning target and standard.  

    • Assign additional practice problems or Centers from your district’s Illustrative Mathematics provider

    • Assign Khan Academy practice problems aligned to the lesson or skill

    • If students are behind grade level, allow them to work independently on aligned skills that can be completed accurately at their level. 

**Small Group Instruction: If your school requires Small Group Instruction, use this time to pull your predetermined groups. Small group instruction should always be used to accelerate student learning by addressing missed learning or providing opportunities for advancement.

Ready to Try the Framework in Your Classroom?

Start with the essential tools that make the structure practical and manageable.

Download free resources and begin strengthening your math lessons this week.

✔ Fluency Routines

✔ Graphic Organizer

✔ Tools for School Leaders

Access Resources