What does an intervention cycle look like?

All educators can frame the process of their work with students as a cycle. All Learners Network (ALN) particularly recommends this specific framing to special educators and interventionists, or any teacher working with students in small groups. Using a cycle of instruction provides both educators and students a structured process for reflecting on growth and moving forward in math understanding. It actually functions as a rapid cycle of inquiry, where we are seeking information about our students’ thinking, planning responsive instruction, and monitoring growth in a continuous cycle. The inte …

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3 min read
Sep 29, 2023

What Do I Do With a Small Group?

Whether you are a classroom teacher, an interventionist, special educator, English as a second language teacher or other educator you might be wondering what do I do for small group math instruction? We know all kids do not learn math at the same time and in the same ways and we know all kids need access to high quality grade level instruction. That is why our All Learners Lesson Structure includes opportunities for both inclusion and differentiation. What happens when we get to that differentiation part? All students may be engaged with purposeful offerings through Math Menu and one or more e …

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3 min read
Sep 22, 2023

Why Concrete Tools Matter in ALL Math Classrooms

Concrete tools (manipulatives) support access, equity, universal design and differentiation in every math classroom. Manipulatives support mathematical connections and deep understanding. So why are they missing in so many math classrooms, especially in the older grades? The use of math manipulatives provides hands-on access to all students where quantity is observable and abstract concepts contextualized, creating a more inclusive math classroom.

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4 min read
Sep 15, 2023

How to Plan for Sustainable, Lasting Math Improvement in Schools & Districts

Math pedagogy is the key to improving math performance and math understanding for all students. Pedagogy is the single most important element in instruction to improve math performance and understanding. Teachers are the critical element in improving math understanding and fostering positive math identities. To improve their practice, teachers need supportive instructional coaches and administrators equipped to guide and invest in math pedagogy professional development. Curriculum, math programs and textbooks on their own do not make significant improvements in math understanding. One or two “ …

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5 min read
Sep 8, 2023

The Background on the Newly Revised HLC Progressions

All Learners Network (ALN) originally created the High Leverage Concepts (HLCs) Progressions as a resource for classroom teachers, math interventionists, and special educators who create learning opportunities for their students daily. We wanted to build grade level progressions directly connected to the concepts highlighted in our High Leverage Concepts (HLCs) that would provide “road maps” for instructional decisions based on student evidence.

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2 min read
Sep 1, 2023