Critical Early Numeracy Outcomes (CENOs): Ensuring breadth and depth in early numeracy learning

• In Event: Equitable numeracy counts: Unlocking potential in a divided world

Proposal

In response to low numeracy outcomes globally, the Gates Foundation’s Numeracy Research and Development (NRD) fund developed the Critical Early Numeracy Outcomes (CENOs). These outcomes are specifically designed to address the lag in attainment of essential early numeracy skills, focusing on two foundational clusters of skills: addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. While the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) sets minimum proficiencies, the CENOs aim to make the attainment of these foundational skills a practical reality for a greater number of children, as their absence harms students’ further mathematical progress.
In this presentation, we will share how the CENOs were developed to ensure both breadth and depth in foundational numeracy skills. We present how this is achieved via a dual focus: Fluencies and Problem-solving. We defined Fluencies as specified skills children should acquire at near automaticity, enabling rapid recall of facts (e.g., within 4 seconds without counting). We defined Problem-solving as setting up, describing, and using models of mathematical situations, connecting representations, and developing increasingly sophisticated and efficient calculation strategies. Fluencies and Problem-solving are interconnected and co-developed; fluencies are initially fostered through problem-solving and require ongoing practice, progressively enabling more sophisticated and efficient approaches. The Problem-solving outcomes are further categorized into Level 1 (simpler problem forms, introductory language, more concrete representations, often relying on counting-based strategies) and Level 2 (more complex problem forms, expanded language, increasingly abstract representations, and efficient, number relation-based strategies). Crucially, progression to Level 2 is not deferred until Level 1 is fully mastered, as engagement with Level 2 tasks often reinforces Level 1 understanding.
The CENOs are designed to support diverse stakeholders in improving early numeracy in different ways. We will discuss how they can be used to guide curriculum and material adaptations, professional development for teachers, and program and assessment design. By providing practical recommendations and fostering strengthened networks among educators and policymakers, this framework contributes directly to advancing equitable and transformative education worldwide. This, in turn, supports the broader goals of global peace, social cohesion, and justice in a divided world, aligning with the core mission of the CIES conference.

Authors

• Yasmin Sitabkhan, Math Mosaic Global

• THOMAS Pugh, Genesis Analytics