Math Intervention Teaching Strategies for Student Success

Over the last 27 years, my teaching journey has touched the lives of many students. Early on, I was part of the eighth grade team—which included an accelerated mathematics group in which kids “got math.” Eventually, I transitioned to middle school mathematics intervention, where kids didn’t. 

When I started in mathematics intervention, students often came into my room crying because they had to take their “most-hated subject twice.” This revolutionized my approach to intervention teaching strategies because I not only had to dig deep to understand my students’ challenges, but I also had to help them overcome their negative perceptions of math.

Mathematics Intervention Strategies for Students with Unique Needs

As an adult, I love working with numbers, but most of my intervention students don’t. I remember what that feels like. As a kid, I always stayed after school with teachers because mathematics was challenging for me. I could memorize formulas, but I couldn’t explain the thinking behind it. I didn’t understand the concepts. I wish I had teachers who taught me better number sense and who used manipulatives to teach foundational concepts.

Now in my classroom, we talk about mathematics. My students tell me what they don’t like about it, and we discuss how to approach solving a problem together. We tackle challenging topics, from geometry’s complexities to conversation-based conversions. Watching them develop skills they once needed support with reminds me why I love teaching.

I remember one of my students who had dyscalculia, a rare form of dyslexia that affects number perception. Once we understood her challenge, I could tailor my instruction to ensure she didn’t see numbers and equations backward. Years later, she became a special education teacher herself. Witnessing her empowerment underscored my commitment to understanding and addressing the different needs of all my students. 

Intervention Teaching Strategies to Overcome Mathematics Challenges

At the beginning of the year, I sit down with each of my students and review their i-Ready Assessment data with them. We pick one thing they’re doing well and one thing they need to focus on, so they have a plan. Then, we check in regularly to see their progress. They always know exactly where they are and where they need to be. 

Encouraging students to reach their i-Ready Stretch Growth® goal—an ambitious but attainable goal to get them to grade-level proficiency (sometimes over multiple years)—has become an integral part of my teaching ethos. Years of experience have taught me that even when students push back on the rigors of mathematics, I need to keep them moving forward. When they begin to truly see their progress, their feelings toward math change. 

Many of my former students have come back to visit and thanked me for pushing them, even though they were not happy about it at the time. Last year, many of my kids reached their Stretch Growth goals.

Teaching Strategies That Embrace Mathematics Learning through Mistakes

I work closely with my students’ reading teachers to identify the intersection of literacy and mathematics. I’ve learned that students need to meaningfully comprehend content to advance. Maintaining an open dialogue about mathematics—which might have been scary for some of them once—has taught them that mistakes are a part of learning. Even if they get the wrong answer, part of their work is usually right. 

When students are free to learn from their mistakes, they grow. I even have a “mistakes chart” on which my students keep track of all my mistakes. They try to stump me with mathematics problems, and they get a prize for pointing out my mistakes.

Intervention Teaching Strategies for Successful Classroom Environments

Like my students, my classroom is far from ordinary. I don’t like plain white walls. Instead, I’ve covered them with hand-painted mathematical concepts, such as the order of operations and a number line. The space is inviting, colorful, and designed to engage students. I’ve added creative touches like cartoon animal murals and superhero-themed elements that declare, “Math Is Super!” If I create a positive atmosphere, students feel safe and inspired to learn.

All middle schoolers want choices. I’ve replaced traditional desks with tables that accommodate flexible seating options: chairs, stools, or yoga balls. This empowers my students to determine their best learning environment. I play background music (not too loudly) and allow requests. I also have colored lights around the perimeter of my room and soft overheads to create an inviting atmosphere.

Impact of Effective Mathematics Intervention on Middle School Students

For me, the joy of teaching lies in spending every day with ever-changing, brilliant minds. Middle schoolers are at a fascinating crossroads. Watching them grow from social sixth graders to thoughtful eighth graders, with whom I can have a real conversation, is one of my greatest pleasures. When everything clicks and they start to get it, I know they’ll be leaving my intervention classroom. But I love knowing I’ve given them the tools and confidence they need to flourish. 

Want to learn more about how we’re better supporting middle school students? Discover the difference i-Ready Pro can make in your classroom!

More middle school resources:
Read How i-Ready Pro’s Essential Lessons Transformed Learning in My Classroom.
Read Building an Ideal Middle School Classroom for Learning.
Read Math Motivation in Middle School.
Watch the i-Ready Pro Webinar.

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