Equals Mathematics

What is Equals Mathematics?

Equals Mathematics is a print-based, multisensory mathematics curriculum for students with disabilities. The curriculum is aligned with established general education standards and other instructional methodologies within a lesson structure that supports small group instruction, conceptual learning, problem solving, math vocabulary, and communication.

The curriculum includes everything teachers and students need for engaging, multisensory instruction:

  • Content Kit
  • Manipulatives Kit
  • Members Only Digital Content

Comprehensive Materials

Equals Content Kit

The Equals Content Kit materials are designed to help teachers implement lessons and support students as they build foundational math skills.

Teacher's Guides

These physical guides contain the lesson plans.

  • Five books
  • Two chapters per book
  • Ten chapters total = 444 lessons from pre-readiness through fourth grade math skills

Posters

Support the lesson themes and creation of Math Focal Points.

  • 15 Theme Posters
  • Solve Posters
  • Number Notes Posters

Student Tools

Student tools can be used to visually organize manipulatives while teachers use their tools to model concepts.

  • Position strips
  • Hundreds charts
  • Specific frame tools
  • Workmats

Card Set

Contains over 100 cards organized into four categories. 

  • Vocabulary
  • Content (17 categories)
  • Action
  • Poster

Assessment Box

Assessments support identifying placement, starting points, and adaptations within the Equals curriculum.

  • Two assessment flip books
  • Pic-symbols
  • Workmats

Math Manipulatives Kit

A collection of tactile, hands-on materials (e.g., AngLegs, attribute blocks, pan balances). These are not merely accessories but the core of the curriculum, required to facilitate the motor engagement that drives cognitive development.

The Math Manipulatives Kit is also available for purchase separately to support your math instruction with Unique Learning System.

Math Manipulatives Kit Supply List

Members Only Digital Content

The Equals Math Members Only digital content resource includes materials needed for getting started, assessment and instruction.

  • The Action Dictionary: This is the essential tool for student access. Whenever "purple text" appears in the Teacher's Guide, refer to this dictionary to provide motor or cognitive adaptations, transforming passive observers into active learners.
  • Student Response Booklets: Mandatory downloads for the assessment process.
  • Printable Assets: Skill/problem-solving worksheets, lesson pic-symbols, and Student Tracker forms.

Reach out to your Everway Customer Success Manager for access to this resource after purchase of the Equals Curriculum.

Differentiation Levels and Adaptations

Equals Mathematics utilizes a fluid differentiation model, with three levels of support designed for cognitive, motor, language, vision, and attention needs. These tiers are fluid; a specialist may combine Level 1 motor adaptations with Level 2 cognitive frameworks to meet a student's unique profile.

Differentiation Levels

  • Level 1 (Significant): Highest level of support; focuses on language/motor adaptations and reduced cognitive load.
  • Level 2 (Moderate): Mid-level environmental supports; students solve problems within provided, organized frameworks.
  • Level 3 (Mild): Minimal supports; students utilize taught organizational frameworks for independent task completion.

Adapting Student Actions

  • Within the Teacher’s Guides, specific student actions are printed in purple font.
  • These words are cross-referenced with the Action Dictionary, ensuring that every student has a functional way to perform actions like "identify," "join," or "separate."

Implementation and the Instructional Cycle

Key steps to take when implementing Equals Mathematics.

Classroom Environment

  • Sort and label manipulatives and cards.
  • Prepare the 10 file folders.
  • Set up the Math Focal Point as a visual anchor for the classroom.

Assessment and Placement

  • Placement may be determined via the two Assessment Books.
  • Results dictate the starting Chapter and Section.
  • Educators are encouraged to move students forward even if mastery is not absolute, as the curriculum is designed to revisit and connect concepts cyclically.

Lesson Structure

  • Page 1: Warm Up, Explore and Connect
  • Page 2: Introduce and Connect
  • Page 3: Teach (CSA), Problem Solving, Close
  • Page 4: Follow Up

Professional Learning

Everway provides live Professional Learning on Equals Math Essentials to help educators take the next steps from onboarding and setup to deeper understanding and application.

Visit the Equals Math Essentials page to learn more.

Equals Math Essentials