Educational Settings

Using Math-U-See in a Traditional Classroom

It is possible to use the Math-U-See curriculum in a General Education classroom, as long as one addresses the key challenges to utilizing all of the integral elements of the curriculum. As the number of students becomes larger than ten, the classroom management of these challenges becomes more difficult. The curriculum is very focused on the individual student’s achievement, rather than a group instructional model. Here are some areas to consider:

• Math-U-See is developed to be student-paced.
• The teacher needs to ensure each student has mastery of the lesson materials prior to moving to the next concept.
• Lessons are taught sequentially and each concept needs to be mastered before moving to the next.
• Students will need to have access to the manipulatives during the lessons, whether individual sets or shared among small groups.
• If a student isn’t learning at the pace of the classroom, extra tutoring would be necessary to ensure mastery.

Video sessions: We are often asked whether students should watch the video lessons. The video lessons are intended to provide the lesson content knowledge for the teacher to deliver explicit instruction to the students. However, some students may benefit from viewing the video lesson also. Each environment is unique, so each teacher/school will need to make the appropriate decision related to student use of the videos.

An Excellent Choice for Special Education

Math-U-See is an effective Special Education Core Replacement intervention program designed to improve mathematical performance by explicitly teaching the concepts, skills, and content needed to successfully learn and understand mathematics. It is a student-paced, mastery-based curriculum that is suitable for students with a wide range of abilities, from gifted to those with special needs.

Math-U-See provides:

• Teacher-Directed Instruction
• Direct, Explicit Instruction
• Models and Demonstrations
• Explicit Problem Solving Strategies
• Corrective Feedback
• Frequent Cumulative Review
• Short-Cycle Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Truly differentiated instruction is required to meet the needs of students in Special Education environments. We strive to incorporate UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles in all of our levels, and our curriculum can be used with no or few special accommodations. For over twenty years, Math-U-See has been a multi-sensory approach to math education, and we are far ahead with our use of manipulatives and other multi-sensory tools that provide greater accessibility to students who struggle with traditional approaches to illustrating mathematical concepts.

Math-U-See in Alternative Settings

Because of Math-U-See’s approach to individualized instruction and concept mastery, it is an excellent curriculum for use in unique educational settings.

• After School and Summer School Programs: Math-U-See can address the needs of students who are gifted in math, are struggling with a math concept, are below grade level, or have a different learning style. We provide instruction for the teacher to introduce each new concept in an easily understandable manner, using step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing, and mastering concepts. By explicitly teaching the concepts, skills, and content needed to successfully learn and understand mathematics, and the integrated use of manipulatives in most levels, we engage all types of learners with our multi-sensory approach.
• Flipped Classrooms: The focus on guided exploration and use of manipulatives means that Math-U-See is well-suited for use in a Flipped Classroom. Math-U-See is designed to be student-paced. Progress monitoring enables teacher to identify conceptual holes and reteach in a timely manner. The video DVD lessons are designed as teacher preparation tools and thoroughly detail the instruction methods and use of manipulatives for each lesson. This will provide a useful guideline for creation of personalized lecture videos.
• Other Unique Environments: Contact us to discuss how the Math-U-See methodology will fit with your specific situation.