This module discusses three strategies: concrete-representational-abstract (CRA), mnemonics, and graphic organizers. These strategies can also be adapted to help a wide range of students learn algebraic concepts. This module includes facilitator notes, PowerPoint slides, handouts, and references. This module is organized as a 3-hour training session; however, it can also be divided into two sessions. The first session includes background information, a discussion of two strategies (CRA instruction and mnemonics), and the lesson planning activity. The lesson planning activity allows participants to plan a lesson using one of the strategies and to implement the lesson in the classroom before reconvening for the second session. The second session allows participants to share their experiences implementing the lesson and gain feedback from colleagues and the presenter. It is followed by a discussion on graphic organizers.
Preparation Checklist (PDF)
PowerPoint Presentation
Tips for Customizing Training Modules (Word)
Facilitators’ Guide (Word)
Handouts (PDF)

This brief gives a quick overview of CAI and explains how it can be used effectively in math classrooms.

This brief provides an overview of the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Instructional Approach and discusses how this intervention can be used to improve math instruction.

This short brief gives an overview of Differentiation and explains how it can be applied to enhance math instruction.

This brief, written by Dr. Joseph Gagnon and Dr. Paula Maccini, focuses on the use of direct instruction with middle school students with LD.

This short brief gives an overview of Direct/Explicit Instruction and explains how it can be applied to enhance math instruction.

This brief provides teachers with strategies to effectively teach mathematics concepts to students experiencing difficulty learning mathematics. Teachers consider the characteristics of each student and may select appropriate accommodations and instructional modifications presented in a series of charts.

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Discover the importance of Learning Strategies and how it relates to math instruction.

This brief by Drs. Maccini and Gagnon defines graphic organizers and provides examples of their use in a math classroom.

This brief focuses on teaching middle school students how to solve mathematics problems through a number of processes and strategies. Marjorie Montague also discusses Solve It!, designed to teach the necessary cognitive and metacognitive processes and strategies that good problem-solvers use.

This brief by Marjorie Montague deals specifically with math problem-solving for students in kindergarten through grade 3, especially students with learning disabilities.

This brief by Marjorie Montague provides an overview of the math problem-solving process. Further, it discusses how students with disabilities can successfully acquire and develop problem-solving skills.

This brief, written by Dr. Joseph Gagnon and Dr. Paula Maccini, focuses on the use of strategy instruction with middle school students with LD.

This brief gives an overview of Strategy/Implicit Instruction and explains how it can be applied to enhance math instruction.

This brief explains an alternative approach to designing and implementing math lessons to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. In particular, an approach to teaching the concept of division, which is based on prior knowledge of place value, measurement, and partitioning, is described.

This brief illustrates mnemonics that are useful in teaching math facts, order of operations, measurement, geometry, problem-solving techniques, and other areas of math to students with disabilities.

This brief provides an introduction and examples of how teachers may implement peer-assisted learning as an instructional strategy for math lessons.

This resource provides access to articles relating to mathematics education. The articles are all available free and have been cataloged according to the type of research and the content and process standards developed by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
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This valuable resource includes a large annotated list of free web-based tools and activities. Each tool and activity focuses on a specific mathematics concept or skill.

This presentation provides information on the current research base for mathematics. Includes historical perspectives, current standards, and the five components required for effective math instruction.
Math Handout

Dr. Shanon Hardy gave this presentation at the Access Center’s District Information Sharing meeting in fall 2004.

Dr. David Allsopp facilitated this webinar on September 7, 2004. This webinar emphasized three important points educators should consider when teaching students with learning problems to be successful in mathematics. First, we must value that mathematics is important for students both in school and in life. Next, we must understand how students’ learning characteristics create barriers to accessing the meaning of mathematics. And finally, we must implement powerful instructional strategies and techniques that create opportunities for students to find meaning, purpose and success in mathematics.
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On April 25, 2007, Dr. Monya Ruffin and Anthea Medyn of the Access Center presented this webinar, which provided participants with an overview of NCTM standards and the challenges students with disabilities have in learning algebraic concepts. The presenters highlighted various research-based learning and instructional strategies that can be used to help students, including students with disabilities, access algebraic concepts at the K-8 grade levels. Opportunities for interaction and hands-on experiences are incorporated throughout the webinar.
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This site has gathered nearly 700 lessons and resources for teaching math and organized them by topic: number and operations, algebra, measurement, reasoning and proof, problem-solving, patterns, history, etc.

This Center is working to build a solid research base on how to improve instruction. Their site includes research findings, publications, and teacher resources in mathematics and science.

This state web site offers resources for activities that can be printed and used immediately.

The Clearinghouse recently released a series of in-depth reviews of middle school math interventions.