From Gaps to Growth: Cracking the Code on Secondary Math for Students with Disabilities
(Room Waterplace Ballroom I (Omni))
11 Nov 26
4:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
Tracks:
Instructional Excellence: Achieving Success
Middle and high school math presents some of the steepest challenges for students with disabilities — and for the educators who support them. Many students reach middle and high school carrying years of unfinished learning in foundational mathematical concepts such as number sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic thinking. At the same time, educators are expected to teach increasingly complex grade-level standards while also addressing these deep skill gaps.This session takes a direct look at the systemic and instructional barriers that hold students back at the secondary level, and offers proven strategies to close gaps and build genuine mathematical confidence. Participants will leave with tools and approaches they can put to work immediately in their schools and classrooms. Participants will examine: • Why many secondary math interventions fail to address the true root causes of student struggle • How hidden foundational skill gaps continue to impact success in algebra and higher-level mathematics • How schools can use more precise diagnostic information to identify missing subskills and target intervention more effectively • Practical instructional strategies that help students rebuild confidence while developing deeper mathematical understanding • Leadership actions that help special education and MTSS teams strengthen secondary math intervention systems Educators will leave with practical tools, intervention planning strategies, and leadership approaches that can be implemented immediately to strengthen secondary math instruction and support students with disabilities in closing long-standing learning gaps. Target Audience: Special education administrators, MTSS leaders, secondary math interventionists, instructional coaches, and school leaders responsible for improving math outcomes for students with disabilities.