Elementary Math Intervention Resources

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submitted by Jessica Breur
Mathematics Instructional Coach
Mounds View Public Schools

When we think of core resources for mathematics instruction we know there is not a silver bullet that will ensure all students are successful in math.  In fact, there is much more that goes into a students success in mathematics besides the core resource that is being used. I would argue that the core resource used is towards the bottom of the list – in terms of factors that influence a students success in mathematics.  Having said that, many districts and teachers feel more comfortable when they have a core resource to use when planning for the instruction of their students. There are many factors that go into choosing a core resource for our students such as:

  • Does it align to the MN Math Standards?
  • Do the instructional strategies align to best practices about how children learn mathematics?
  • Does the resource attend to the Mathematical Practices?

All of these questions, and many more, influence our decision when we are looking to purchase curriculum materials.  

When we dig even deeper, we know that not all students learn or progress at the same rate.  To help with this, many districts have “in-addition-to” time to support the needs of these students.  

According to past-president, Sara Van Der Werf, she has found multiple things that should be considered when thinking of offering “in-addition-to” time for math intervention.  Head over to her blog to read what she has learned.  

Similar to the search for the perfect core resource, there is also a search for a well aligned intervention resource.  Again, the plethora of resources available are vast, expensive, and at times hard to judge their worth. The goal of this article is to introduce you to a few math intervention resources that are used in Minnesota.  Links to the homepage of the intervention resource is included along with a contact person from the given district.

 

District Intervention Resource & Link Contact person from district
Wayzata Bridges Intervention Courtney LaRoche
South Washington County K-2: Assessing Math Concepts (AMC)
3-5:Number Worlds		 Emily Larson
Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan Add + Vantage MR – Math Recovery.  Teachers are trained in the assmts. and use those to plan instruction Dawn Dibley
Hopkins Do the Math
Number Worlds		 Michele Luke
Anoka-Hennepin Do the Math – for summer school Margaret Williams
Richfield K-2: Kathy Richardson Developing Number Concepts (DNC)
3-4: Add + Vantage MR		 Michael Wallus

Whether you are looking for intervention resources right now, or you would like to connect with someone, other than the sales representative, here is a place for you to get started.    We are smarter when we work together. If you or your district uses a specific resource or strategy for math intervention, please continue to share ideas by leaving a response at the bottom of this article.