Modal Math by ASLedu

So, I created a resource for them to learn math in the way they learn best... with visuals and sign language.

*Deaf high school graduates are reading at an average of a 4th grade level and doing math at a 5th grade level.

As a teacher, the reason is clear. 

Teachers are overworked and spend a huge chunk of their time adapting resources that are made for mainstream students. We often teach multiple classes at the same time, and cannot give students independent work without creating or adapting it ourselves.  Also, Deaf children are often behind in language development, so even if they can understand something conceptually, they don't have the reading skills to match it. Naturally, this leads to poorer outcomes for students.

Poor academic performance leads to poorer employment outcomes. "According to the CDC, people who are Deaf/ hard of hearing are at high risk of unemployment or chronic underemployment at a rate of 70% or more nationally."  This is a result of communication barriers, and overstretched, under-resourced schools. Oftentimes, parents can't find resources that will help their students learn and work independently at home.

As a teacher who saw the impact of this every day, I knew I had to do something.

For the first 5 years in the classroom,  I spent my time looking for resources. I had a clear vision of what was needed in my head - something clean, user-friendly and accessible that helped students learn and built their confidence. Most importantly, something that would lead to better student outcomes while making life easier for teachers and parents.  I couldn't find anything. '

Finally, I realized I had to be the one to make the resource I needed. 

It's created quite a buzz. 

In a niche like this, word spreads fast. In just the first 6 months after launch, and no funds spent on marketing or sales, we've got email subscribers from 35 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada. The website has been visited in 74 different countries! The good reviews are pouring in. Our retention rate is great - 88% of those that subscribe stay. Those that don't stay will often email saying that they are going to pitch it to their school administrators. 

Watch it in action

2 months ago, this child had almost no sign language. See what he can do now.

Meet the founder

Nadia Iftekhar,  Founder and CEO of Modal Math
M.A. Elementary Education
M.Ed in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
B.S. Speech and Hearing Science

It's time to grow.

The growing demand, and need to bring this product to schools soon, is making the need to scale obvious. While being a teacher is a unique advantage, it is vital to create a team of people with different expertise. Additionally, marketing to organizations and districts is an important job that requires a specialist. Bootstrapping the business until this point is something I am proud of, but now we need additional funding to get this project to the size it needs to be. 

Thank you for your willingness to invest in this cause.  Investors like you make it possible for Modal Math to be a high-quality, effective resource for our students.