Teaching Children Who Struggle with Mathematics: A Systematic Approach to Analysis and Correction

Supplement for Mathematics Methods courses. Rich with case studies and assorted examples, this brief, targeted text is dedicated to helping future teachers address the cognitive needs of children in Grades 1-6 who do not understand mathematical concepts and/or are not as skillful as they should be with those concepts. The authors present a systematic, three-step approach to assess students' math strengths and weaknesses and plan instruction accordingly. This involves: 1) using the Data Analysis Sheet (DAS) to assess and record learners' skills and error patterns; 2) complete a Mathematics Improvement Plan (MIP) with specific instructional approaches to improve skills students need; and, 3) set up the activities and intervention strategies to improve student performance. This approach allows teachers to meet individual needs.