The MathScape units developed by Education Development Center (EDC) underwent extensive field testing in many Massachusetts and California school districts; research was conducted by EDC researchers and two California-based research organizations, Inverness Research Associates and CREATE. Field test sites were carefully selected to insure that there would be a diversity of teachers, students, and school settings. Researchers observed classrooms, interviewed teachers, analyzed student work, and solicited reviews from mathematicians.

The major findings of this research are the following:

• Teachers and students value MathScape's innovative approach.
  Teachers and students identified MathScape's emphasis on making real-world connections, communicating about mathematics through writing and discussion, engaging in collaborative work, and doing hands-on activities as instrumental in helping students develop a new view of mathematics. One field test teacher explained, "[They are] seeing math differently, talking, being creative, being critical."
  
• MathScape encourages good mathematical understanding.
  Teacher reports and classroom observations suggest that MathScape units are good vehicles for engaging students in mathematical thinking; in particular, the materials effectively address students' mathematical misconceptions. The in-depth focus of the units provides time for students to grapple with difficult concepts. One field test teacher noted the shift to good mathematical thinking brought about by MathScape: "[The students] are problem-solving! They are doing a tremendous amount of thinking."
  
• MathScape promotes positive changes in classroom culture.
  Several teachers saw the materials as an opportunity to begin to shift their teaching style to a less teacher-centered approach. Other teachers were delighted that teaching MathScape materials allowed them and their students to have positive experiences with collaborative work and communicating about mathematics through writing and discussion.
  
• MathScape is accessible to a wide range of students.
  Teacher and student reports, as well as classroom observations, have indicated that the MathScape materials reach a wide range of students, including those students who do not usually do well in math class. In the middle of one field test, a student who had been struggling with more traditional math instruction all year declared proudly, "I think I should take advanced math next year!" Teachers and students have identified several characteristics of the MathScape materials that enable a wide range of students with different learning styles to be successful: hands-on activities; lessons in which students draw on their personal experiences; unique approaches to mathematics content such as an emphasis on visualization; and opportunities for students to achieve success through creative activities.