Simplifying Math Intervention: How the Math Intervention Cycle Saves Time for Educators

As a math educator, I’ve spent my entire career working with low-performing students, striving to close their learning gaps quickly and effectively. Through my experience, I’ve developed a powerful system called the Math Intervention Cycle. This approach has proven to be a game-changer in my classroom, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

What is the Math Intervention Cycle?

The Math Intervention Cycle is a four-step process that I’ve refined over the years. It’s not a cookie-cutter solution found in a box; rather, it’s a system that can be tailored to your students’ unique needs. The four steps are:

• Assess
• Diagnose
• Reteach
• Reassess

Step 1: Assess

Many teachers mistakenly believe that standardized tests are the best way to assess students for intervention purposes. However, these tests are designed to measure readiness for the next grade level, not to identify specific gaps in knowledge. Instead, I recommend creating your own assessments based on the standards and student expectations for your grade level. These can be unit tests, quizzes, or even online resources. The key is to choose a data point that aligns with your intervention goals.

Step 2: Diagnose

Once you have your assessment data, it’s time to diagnose the problem. This step can be challenging, especially for new teachers. If you’re struggling, I suggest partnering with a veteran teacher who has at least five years of experience in your content area. They can help you identify the prerequisite skills students need to master more complex concepts.

It’s also essential to understand the difference between horizontal and vertical alignment. Horizontal alignment refers to the student expectations for a single grade level, while vertical alignment represents the progression of skills across grade levels within a specific strand. Keep in mind that not all skills are revisited every year; some may only appear in a few grade levels.

Step 3: Reteach

After diagnosing the problem, it’s time to reteach the necessary skills. This is where your vertical alignment knowledge comes into play. As a math interventionist, your focus should be on closing gaps within the vertical alignment, not just following what the classroom teacher is teaching. Look for resources that target the specific skills your students need to master.

Step 4: Reassess

The final step is to reassess your students to determine if your intervention was successful. This progress monitoring doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s simply a way to see if what you did worked. Use this data to inform your next steps and continue refining your intervention approach.

The Math Intervention Cycle has been a powerful tool in my classroom, allowing me to close gaps quickly and effectively. By focusing on targeted assessments, accurate diagnosis, strategic reteaching, and meaningful progress monitoring, you too can revolutionize your math intervention approach. Remember, it’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about creating a system that works for your students and their unique needs. With the Math Intervention Cycle, you’ll be well on your way to helping your students succeed in math and beyond.