The Number Sense Assessment app gives educators quick, research-based insights to target instruction and improve student outcomes

Notre Dame, IN — Researchers at the Institute for Educational Initiatives at the University of Notre Dame have launched the Number Sense Assessment, a free, research-based math app that helps teachers in grades 3 and up quickly identify gaps in student understanding and strengthen instruction in core math concepts.

Backed by a $496,337 grant from the National Science Foundation and developed in collaboration with the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, the assessment has already been used in more than 25 schools, reaching over 2,000 students. It is also being implemented in ACE Teaching Fellows partner schools and through Tutor-ND.

The app reflects years of research on mathematical cognition and offers an easy, practical way for teachers to boost math understanding—right from their classrooms.

“The teachers and math educators we work with all tell us how important developing their students’ number sense is. However, they haven’t been able to efficiently see if their students are making any progress towards that goal,” said Patrick Kirkland, Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Institute for Educational Initiatives and lead developer of the app. “The Number Sense Assessment addresses that gap—and gives educators actionable insights, at no cost, without adding to their already full plates.”

Designed for real-world use, the app takes just 10 minutes to administer and provides immediate feedback. It presents students in grades 3rd grade and up with mental math tasks that measure not just computational skills, but deep conceptual understanding and flexibility with rational numbers and operations. Teachers receive easy-to-read reports highlighting student strengths, misconceptions, and next steps—along with access to research-backed instructional resources.

A recent article from The Hechinger Report (“The Building Blocks of Math That Students Need to Excel”) underscores the growing importance of number sense in setting students up for long-term success in math.

“We’re proud to support this collaboration, which brings together interdisciplinary research and real classroom impact,” said Nitesh Chawla, Founding Director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society. “The Number Sense Assessment app reflects how data-informed tools can empower educators and expand opportunity—especially for students who may otherwise struggle in silence.”

Whether used at the beginning of the year, mid-semester, or as part of summer learning, the app helps teachers tailor instruction to student needs with minimal onboarding, no extra materials, and zero cost.

The Number Sense Assessment app is now freely available to educators nationwide at: numbersense.nd.edu

About the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society

Guided by Notre Dame’s Mission, the Lucy Family Institute adventurously collaborates on advancing data-driven and artificial intelligence (AI) convergence research, translational solutions, and education to ethically address society’s vexing problems. As an innovative nexus of academia, industry, and the public, the Institute also fosters data science and AI access to strengthen diverse and inclusive capacity building within communities.

Learn more at lucyinstitute.nd.edu.

About the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI)

Founded in 1996, the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) at the University of Notre Dame is home to more than two dozen programs that strive to improve education for all children—particularly those historically underserved. Through teaching, research, and outreach, IEI forms educators and scholars who support human dignity and advance the common good. Anchored in the values of Notre Dame, IEI pays special—but not exclusive—attention to Catholic schools as engines of academic excellence and integral human formation.

Learn more at iei.nd.edu.