Why students struggle with math episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 9, 2025 · 6 MIN

Why students struggle with math

from Tier 1 Interventions · host Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

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 outcomesThese 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!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – 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🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 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🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 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🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery 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#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri

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 outcomesThese 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!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – 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🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 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🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 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🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery 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#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri

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Why students struggle with math

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How long is this episode of Tier 1 Interventions?

This episode is 6 minutes long.

When was this Tier 1 Interventions episode published?

This episode was published on September 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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,...

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