FAMU DRS and ASSISTments Boosts Math Achievement, Expands to Reach More Students in 2025–2026

For Immediate Release

The university–school collaboration combines evidence-based tutoring with educator preparation to close learning gaps and advance math achievement.

Tallahassee, FL and Worcester, MA – November 2025 — Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) and The ASSISTments Foundation (TAF) are proud to announce the continuation of their high-dosage math tutoring partnership for the 2025–2026 school year. Building on last year’s powerful results, the initiative is expanding to reach even more students and will be showcased at the 2025 National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Proven Results: Year One Impact
In the 2024–2025 school year, FAMU DRS implemented the ASSISTments Tutoring Math Program for students in grades 3–8. The results were both measurable and inspiring:

• Math Achievement Growth: FAMU DRS showed a 15-point overall improvement on 2025 FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) state assessment scores.
• College Tutor Development: The partnership provided meaningful teaching experiences for 13 FAMU college tutors, preparing the next generation of educators and community leaders.

Program Expansion for 2025–2026
The second year of the partnership will continue to leverage the expertise of the Florida A&M University College of Education and the ASSISTments evidence-based digital platform. Tutoring sessions will occur three or more times per week following high-dosage tutoring protocols with a 1:4 tutor-to-student ratio. Sessions are aligned with state standards and classroom instruction, ensuring learning is targeted, consistent, and impactful.

National Recognition
Due to the program’s success, the FAMU DRS–ASSISTments partnership will be featured at the 2025 NABSE Conference, highlighting how high-dosage tutoring can drive equity, accelerate learning, and cultivate future educators through innovative university–school collaborations.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to create equitable learning opportunities that empower students to succeed in mathematics,” said Dr. Denise Barrett, Tutoring Program & Partnerships Manager at ASSISTments. “We’re proud that our work with FAMU DRS will be shared on a national stage at NABSE—it’s a testament to the students, tutors, and educators who made year one a success.”

“Through partnerships and cutting-edge strategies, FAMU DRS aims to prepare students for future academic and career success,“ said Dr. Patricia West, Deputy Superintendent, FAMU DRS.

The initiative will continue to be led by Dr. Barrett, alongside FAMU DRS faculty member Renee Jerry and FAMU College of Education Professor Dr. David White.

About The ASSISTments Foundation

The ASSISTments Foundation (TAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving math learning for all students through evidence-based innovation. Founded in 2019, TAF partners with educators, researchers, and schools to design and deliver tools that make math instruction more effective, engaging, and impactful. In collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, TAF conducts cutting-edge research in the learning sciences to continually enhance the ASSISTments platform. Today, ASSISTments helps teachers across the country give students the feedback and support they need to build confidence and succeed in mathematics. Learn more at www.assistments.org

About FAMU DRS

Florida A&M University’s Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) serves as a laboratory for the research, demonstration, and evaluation of teaching and learning. With a focus on mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages, FAMU DRS is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and innovative education.

About The FAMU College of Education and Fab Lab

The FAMU Chevron STR²EAM Innovation Fab Lab aims to provide students, faculty, and the broader communities with state-of-the-art technology and resources to foster creativity, hands-on learning experiences, and entrepreneurial skills..

For More Information:
Assistments Contact: Dr. Denise Barrett, denise.barrett@assistments.org
FAMU DRS Contact: Mrs. Renee Jerry, renee.jerryr@famu.edu
FAMU COE Contact: Dr. David White, david.white@famu.edu

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