Over the last 7 months a subcommittee of our Response to Intervention Leadership Team meet to begin analyzing research-based interventions in math.  They took a similar approach to the one the literacy subcommittee took which entailed reviewing state and federal recommendations from What Works Clearinghouse, Oregon’s Math and Science Partnership, and various resources from the National Center on Response to Intervention.  A number of other research sites were used as well.

Several programs appeared to fit a need for our students and two were selected for pilot: America’s Choice Math Navigator – to support conceptual understandings, skill development, and problem-solving; and Scholastic’s FASTTmath – to support procedural fluency.  Both of these programs are strategic and support Tier II level supplementation.

These programs were identified in the final team selection process and will be district supported and approved in the fall, 2010.

Math Navigator is modular based. There are 20 different modules that are determined by use of a screening tool.  Students are placed into a module and receive approximately 35-45 minutes of additional support beyond their core math instruction using the district core curricula.

FASTTmath is technology based. There is one program that adapts and individualizes to student need.  The focus of this tool is to support mental math fluency.  Research explains how math fluency is an important skill that allows students time and energy to solve more complex problems when their mental math skills are strong.  This intervention is also strategic and designed for Tier II supplementation for approximately 15 minutes a day in addition to the core instruction.

A third program was selected as a district supported and approved intervention, America’s Choice Ramp up to Algebra and America’s Choice Ramp up to Pre-Algebra.  These programs will be integrated as an intensive replacement in the 8th and 6th grades respectively. The purpose of these interventions is to accelerate learning and increase student access to the general algebra curriculum.  Our district goal is to have at least 80% of our 8th grade students successfully complete Algebra I by the year 2014.  Early intervention and strong Tier I instruction will help us reach our goal. Our second goal is for every remaining student to successfully complete Algebra I by 9th grade.  The Ramp Up program will serve as our core curriculum for students not ready for the core algebra curriculum in the middle grades.

Other programs were approved by the district, but will not be supported financially in the upcoming year.  These are:

• Math Perspectives (Kathy Richardson)
• SuccessMaker
• Do the Math

Schools will be notified as to the process for designing a intervention plan using the resources of their choice.  Our department of Curriculum and Instruction will work with schools to increase their understanding of these programs to make the best selection for their needs.  Professional development planning is underway, and schools will be informed regarding the dates and times for the various programs.

We are excited to provide our instructional staff with the support of additional materials that will allow us to meet the goal of increasing access for all students.