Why Tier 1 Math Fails Before Instruction Even Begins

Most Tier 1 math conversations focus on instruction — better lessons, better strategies, better interventions.

But what if the problem starts before teaching even begins?

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, we unpack the real issue hiding underneath low math achievement:
👉 a structural design problem, not an instructional one.

You’ll learn:

This conversation is for:

If Tier 1 instruction feels harder every year — this episode explains why.

📌 This is Part 2 of a 7-part series on rebuilding Tier 1 math from the ground up.

Part 3/7 comes out next week.

🔗 Get involved with Tier 1 Interventions coaching:
 Check the link in the show notes to join live sessions or access the full year of professional learning.

 Join one Mastery Math Method Workshop for just $47.

👇 Comment below: Where do you see kids getting stuck most often in math?

00:00 – Why Tier 1 math failure isn’t about instruction

01:00 – The real problem: structure comes before teaching

02:05 – Why pacing guides and scope & sequence break down

03:10 – Tier 1 math has a design problem, not a skill problem

04:15 – Why fixing lessons won’t fix Tier 1 outcomes

05:25 – Introducing the Novel Model for Tier 1 math

06:40 – What “pre-planning the year” actually means

07:55 – Why most districts design math backward

09:10 – The danger of checklist-based curriculum models

10:30 – Why Tier 1 collapses before instruction even begins

12:00 – What changes when the structure is fixed first

13:20 – How this applies beyond math (Tier 1 systems)

14:45 – Who this work is for and how to get involved

16:30 – Closing thoughts + what’s coming in Part 3

👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs:
 https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar

🌐 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 Live sessions (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.

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