Can Chess Improve Math Skills? Results from a Title I School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

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  In Roundtable Session: Addressing Challenges in Students' Learning of Mathematics

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial tested whether chess instruction linked to math concepts improves math skills in low-income elementary students. Forty-two classrooms in four Title I schools were randomly assigned to chess instruction or control groups. The treatment group received 32 weekly in-school chess lessons with explicit connections to math topics like patterns, geometry, and graphing. Students completed pre- and post-tests in these areas. Both groups improved over time, with treatment effects nearing significance (p = .06–.08). Subgroup analysis showed stronger effects in Grade 3 patterns and significant gains for treatment students in Grade 4 graphing and patterns. Findings suggest that chess instruction with intentional math connections may support math learning in targeted grades and domains.

Authors

• Susanne DeFalco Harnett, Metis Associates, Inc.

• Jenny D. Ingber, Chess in the Schools

• Dawn Boyer, Metis Associates, Inc.