XQ Math
XQ Math: an innovative Algebra I program that builds the practical skills and knowledge that students need to succeed—in the classroom, the workplace, and everyday life.
High schools have been teaching math the same way for decades, and student achievement continues to backslide. It’s time for a different approach.
XQ Math is pioneering a new project-based approach to Algebra I, teaching challenging concepts through practical, relevant, real-life applications. Trading rote answer getting for hands-on problem-solving, this program instills a deeper understanding of the concepts at play—empowering students to find the meaning in the math, while honing skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
XQ Math is free to use, easy to implement, and ready to download.
So whether you want to experiment with a single module or teach the full course, this invaluable educational resource will give you the tools to transform your classroom—and your students’ lives—today.
A Bold New Approach to Algebra I
The research is clear: Students tune out in school when they don’t see the connection between the concepts and their day-to-day lives. XQ Math was designed to bridge that gap—transforming the Algebra I curriculum into a series of rigorous projects that ask students to apply what they’re learning to real-life challenges. By combining academic knowledge with practical problem-solving skills, XQ Math offers coursework that captures students’ interest, sparks their curiosity, grows their confidence, and deepens their connection to math (see why this matters).
The course covers all Algebra I standards through a blend of project-based learning and targeted fluency-building activities. At the same time, the coursework of XQ Math is aligned with the XQ Math Badging Framework, a new way to assess and credential learning through a mastery-based approach. While XQ Math and Math Badging go hand in hand, it’s not necessary to implement both—teachers are more than welcome to integrate the coursework however and whenever they’re ready.
Designed to Develop Real-Life Skills
Experts agree that long-term success depends on a set of critical academic, cognitive, social, and emotional skills that are both practical and durable. That’s why we developed the XQ Competencies—and wove them into XQ Math. Every module asks students to collaborate, think critically, set meaningful goals, and learn from feedback through Student Learning Routines, helping every child grow stronger in these skills over the duration of the course.
XQ Math Is Modular
XQ Math was built to be maximally flexible, able to seamlessly integrate into any classroom and work for any student. The year-long Algebra I curriculum is broken down into six modules—each built around a major concept, such as exponential functions or one-variable statistics. The core focus of each module is a real-world project, complemented by supporting activities.
Teachers can bring XQ Math into their classrooms in a number of different ways. Those who are ready to reimagine Algebra I entirely can adopt the full coursework. Those who want to begin gradually can swap in one XQ Math module for a current unit. Those who simply want to include a few more high-engagement assignments or a wrap-up project in their existing lesson plans can draw from the supplemental activities.
What an XQ Math Module Looks Like
At the core of every XQ Math module is an engaging, challenging, relevant project, which asks students to apply an important algebraic concept to a real-world problem.
Each module also features a mix of supplemental activities to be taught alongside work on the central project, designed to help students build confidence and fluency. These activities include:
- Learn This Now: Activities that introduce new math concepts that students can then apply in their projects
- 5 Minute Math: Quick tasks that help students grow more comfortable and consistent with a concept
- Interrupters: A sequence of stand-alone activities that cover essential skills and concepts that would not naturally arise in student projects
- Ends: Culminating assignments that ask students to showcase their understanding of how the concepts in a module fit together
Students in XQ Math can also access on-demand supports to help them build fluency and confidence as they work—places to revisit concepts, explore new approaches, or get unstuck when they need it. These resources guide students in using digital tools to graph, solve, and model equations while also helping them manage the flow of their project work.
What’s Included for Educators
Whether teaching the full course or just trying a single project, educators who bring XQ Math to their classroom gain access to a full suite of classroom-ready resources, including clear teaching guides, goal-aligned assessments, and Learning Management Software (LMS) compatible files that integrate seamlessly with Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, and other platforms. Teachers can also benefit from the robust professional learning community we’ve built at XQ—a distinguished network for collaboration, lesson-planning support, and guidance on assessing student work.
Every Student Can Master Math.
And now’s the time to unlock their full potential and set them up for a lifetime of success—one child and one classroom at a time
