Not all struggling students have the same needs. Some require a little extra help to master the current lessons, while others require intensive accelerated instruction to get back on track toward a college-preparatory path or success in the workplace. So schools and districts need a range of interventions. The research on “response to intervention” clearly shows that a tiered system can catch and help both those students at risk of falling behind and those who are already far behind in their understanding of math.

TIER-ONE SOLUTION: DISTRICT PROGRAMS AND AMERICA’S CHOICE® PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Students who occasionally fail to grasp a lesson or who struggle with some assignments can be kept on grade level with extra time and support in the classroom, along with some outside-the-classroom support when needed. While most districts already have programs that address these students’ needs, teachers often need support to deliver these programs effectively. America’s Choice offers intensive professional development for all tiers that focuses on critical mathematics content and research-based, effective teaching practices.

TIER-TWO SOLUTION: MATHEMATICS NAVIGATOR
Students who consistently struggle with math have misconceptions, or flawed understandings, that impede their learning. Mathematics Navigator is a tier-two intervention program for students in grades 2 and above. Navigator consists of 20-day modules that target the math concepts that cause students difficulty by addressing the root causes of these misconceptions. Mathematics Navigator supplements regular classroom work and can be delivered during school, or in tutoring, after-school, weekend, or summer programs. A diagnostic screener test helps identify which students need this level of extra help. Student progress is monitored using pre-tests, post-tests, and checkpoints. Online tutoring is available. Ongoing professional development for teachers also is available and includes online modules and study guides.  A help line gives teachers the support they need when they need it.

TIER-THREE SOLUTION: RAMP-UP MATHEMATICS
Students in tier three are far behind grade level and need a comprehensive curriculum to accelerate their learning and prepare them for high school mathematics. Ramp-Up Mathematics—a yearlong middle school and high school course based on 90-minute classes—provide the extra time needed for students who struggle with mathematics. Ramp-Up Mathematics covers math concepts that prepare students for higher-level mathematics and includes pre-tests, checkpoints, and summative assessments, as well as ongoing professional development.