WHY Your Math Curriculum Isn’t Working
If you’ve ever wondered why your students still don’t “get” math—even with all the new textbooks, intervention programs, small groups, apps, and training—this episode will change everything.
In today’s conversation, Cheri and Jonily pull back the curtain on the brutal truth:
👉 The problem isn’t your students.
The problem isn’t you.
The problem is the system.
The problem isn’t you.
The problem is the system.
Math scores across the U.S. have crashed to historic lows. Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups are overflowing. Teachers are exhausted. Kids are frustrated. And the curriculum you were handed is not built to fix any of it.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
🔸 The REAL reason your math curriculum keeps failing
🔸 Why “teaching harder” never moves the needle
🔸 How mental load, attention spans, and dopamine shape learning
🔸 Why rhythm, novelty, and movement unlock mathematical thinking
🔸 How lockers, rectangles, and pizzas explain EVERYTHING about math success
🔸 The shocking data from real classrooms (54% → 84%, 27% → 60%, and more)
🔸 Why 3rd graders can learn so much more than we think
🔸 What schools must change NOW to reverse the decline
🔸 The REAL reason your math curriculum keeps failing
🔸 Why “teaching harder” never moves the needle
🔸 How mental load, attention spans, and dopamine shape learning
🔸 Why rhythm, novelty, and movement unlock mathematical thinking
🔸 How lockers, rectangles, and pizzas explain EVERYTHING about math success
🔸 The shocking data from real classrooms (54% → 84%, 27% → 60%, and more)
🔸 Why 3rd graders can learn so much more than we think
🔸 What schools must change NOW to reverse the decline
This isn’t another “curriculum review.”
This is the root cause of the math crisis in America—and the brain-based pathway out of it.
This is the root cause of the math crisis in America—and the brain-based pathway out of it.
If you’ve ever sat in your classroom thinking,
“Why aren’t they getting it? What am I missing?”
…this episode will finally give you the answer.
“Why aren’t they getting it? What am I missing?”
…this episode will finally give you the answer.
👉 Want to experience the full workshop?
You can sign up to experience one workshop for just $47. The link is here.
https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/mastery-math-method-dec2025/register
You can sign up to experience one workshop for just $47. The link is here.
https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/mastery-math-method-dec2025/register
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Tier One Interventions Podcast
00:28 – Why today’s session starts at a higher math level
01:00 – Why Tier 1—not Tier 3—is the real issue
02:00 – The rising crisis of U.S. math scores
03:10 – Why kids “don’t get math” (and it’s not aptitude)
04:05 – Why Tier 2 and Tier 3 are overloaded
05:00 – What Tier One Interventions actually solve
06:20 – Evidence from real classrooms: 54% → 84%, 27% → 60%, and more
07:45 – Second graders eliminating all “red/yellow” scores in 6 weeks
09:15 – Why this workshop series matters
10:05 – Connecting Mastery Math Method to today’s episode
11:00 – Lockers, Rectangles, Pizzas… and why it works
11:30 – Using music and rhythm to re-trigger attention
12:20 – The neuroscience of rhythm-based learning
13:00 – Crossing midline, movement, rhythm, and subconscious learning
14:10 – How 14-year-olds signal when their brains need novelty
15:00 – Lighting, environmental shifts, and novelty triggers
16:00 – The attention-span research that guides your timing
16:55 – Episode wrap-up + teaser for next week
17:10 – CTA: Experience one workshop for $47
🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?
👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs:
https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar
https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar
🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?
🔗 Stay Connected
🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1
📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1
🎙️ Credits:
Host: Cheri Dotterer
Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic
Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network
Host: Cheri Dotterer
Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic
Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network
🧠 Resources Mentioned:
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
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.
🏷️ Hashtags
#MathIsMessy #Tier1Interventions #MasteryMathMethod #BrainBasedLearning #REWIREMethod #OTinSchools #TeacherMindset
Creators and Guests
Host
Cheri Dotterer
Hacking barriers to writing success, dysgraphia No ✏️ Required. 30-sec@time Speaker | Podcast Host | Author | Consultanthttps://t.co/eM1CXSUIoZ
