Why students struggle with math

What happens when a student knows the answer in their head but can’t get it right on paper?  In this Tier 1 Interventions Masterclass clip, join Cheri Dotterer (OT, author of Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect) and Jonily Zupancic (Math Specialist, author of Making Mathineers) as they uncover the disconnect between conceptual understanding and procedural math skills—and how the Mastery Math Method bridges the gap.

In this session, you’ll learn:
 ✅ Why number sense isn’t “extra help” but essential Tier 1 instruction
 ✅ How to connect conceptual math thinking with procedural fluency
 ✅ The real story of Brian, a 7th grader who knew the math but couldn’t match classroom expectations
✅ Why pre-planning and sensory–motor–cognitive alignment matter for math success
✅ How teachers can strengthen their core instruction to transform Tier 2 and Tier 3 outcomes

These are neuroscience-based strategies with proven results. Entire classes moving from struggle to success and 92% of students showing measurable growth.

👉 Register for the next Masterclass:  https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar

✨ Subscribe for more episodes of Tier 1 Interventions Podcast and Mastery Math Method strategies!

00:00 – Welcome to the Mastery Math Method (Level 2)
 01:00 – Why Tier 1 Core Instruction is the Key to All Learning
 01:45 – Meet Brian: A Student Who Knew the Math but Couldn’t Show It
 03:00 – The Disconnect Between Conceptual & Procedural Math
 04:00 – Why Number Sense Instruction Matters in Secondary Grades
 05:00 – Teacher Takeaways: Pre-Planning & Sensory-Motor-Cognitive Links
 06:30 – Closing & Call to Action: Bring the Mastery Math Method to Your School

👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs:
 https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/freemasterclass/register

🎁 Download your free Intervention Toolkit (login required):
 https://disabilitylabs.com/43857/files/6887de9b124d7_1753734811_division-cycles-h-and-l-notes-extended.pdf

🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1

🎙️ Credits:
Host: Cheri Dotterer
Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic
Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network

Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
Mastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching

⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.

#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri