Promoting Research, Innovation, and Mastery in Elementary Math
A collaborative initiative between Columbia College, Newberry College, and the University of South Carolina Aiken designed to address persistent challenges in elementary mathematics instruction across rural and underperforming schools in South Carolina.
Goals and Objectives of PRIME
Increase the math achievement of students in rural and/or underperforming schools.
Disseminate research on effective strategies for teaching math to students in Grades 1-5
PRIME will improve mathematics achievement in Grades 1–5 and equip pre-service and in-service teachers with pedagogical strategies grounded in the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach. PRIME will achieve its objectives by redesigning math content and methods courses to embed CPA and align with the 2025 South Carolina Mathematics Standards; implementing CPA-based tutoring for at-risk students in Grades 1–5;
Provide professional development for teachers and math coaches;
Develop an online repository of CPA-aligned resources
Disseminate results through conferences and publications.
Expected outcomes include improved student math achievement, increased teacher capacity for conceptually rich instruction, and stronger alignment between teacher preparation and K–12 practice. The PRIME Center will serve as a statewide model for transforming mathematics education by uniting teacher preparation, school improvement, and applied research to support the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through critical thinking, problem solving, and equitable access to high-quality instruction.
Expected Outcomes
300+
Elementary school students impacted directly by CPA-based math tutoring.ng
180+
Pre-service teachers prepared to teach their students
170+
In-service teachers and teacher educators supported
3000+
Elementary students indirectly benefiting from improved mathematics instruction across partner districts