A recent article highlights the problems students with dyscalculia face in maths classes when teachers are unprepared to teach them. It’s this kind of wondering that has me writing text books for teachers colleges, why don’t they teach the gen ed teachers this stuff? Why leave it for the special ed staff to sort out? What if there is not SpEd staff?
Whilst special education degrees and certifications include training on working with learning disabilities, general education math teacher preparation programs rarely address learning disabilities explicitly. According to the system that generates teachers, there are a few potential reasons dyscalculia training is not yet a core component of math teacher education.
First, broader awareness of dyscalculia as a specific learning disability is still emerging. Dyslexia advocacy and research is decades ahead, so teacher training has not yet caught up for dyscalculia. Second, math teacher prep still focuses mainly on math content knowledge rather than differentiated instruction. Courses drill the mathematical concepts future teachers will need to impart, but often lack emphasis on reaching different types of learners. Finally, stigma around learning disabilities can lead to the perspective that only special education teachers need this training. The capabilities of students with learning disabilities are underestimated, leading to lowered expectations in core math classrooms.
Integrating dyscalculia and learning disabilities into general math teacher training would emphasize that all teachers share responsibility for reaching struggling students. It would combat assumptions that only special education staff can teach these students. Additionally, training all teachers in differentiated math instruction and early screening for disabilities could diagnose dyscalculia earlier and provide better math support for all learners. Reforming teacher prep to address diverse learning needs in math classrooms is critical for student success.
Do I need to write another book after Holistic Language Instruction? What about Holistic Maths Instruction?
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Holistic maths instruction?
Holistic maths instruction?
Holistic maths instruction?
A recent article highlights the problems students with dyscalculia face in maths classes when teachers are unprepared to teach them. It’s this kind of wondering that has me writing text books for teachers colleges, why don’t they teach the gen ed teachers this stuff? Why leave it for the special ed staff to sort out? What if there is not SpEd staff?
Whilst special education degrees and certifications include training on working with learning disabilities, general education math teacher preparation programs rarely address learning disabilities explicitly. According to the system that generates teachers, there are a few potential reasons dyscalculia training is not yet a core component of math teacher education.
First, broader awareness of dyscalculia as a specific learning disability is still emerging. Dyslexia advocacy and research is decades ahead, so teacher training has not yet caught up for dyscalculia. Second, math teacher prep still focuses mainly on math content knowledge rather than differentiated instruction. Courses drill the mathematical concepts future teachers will need to impart, but often lack emphasis on reaching different types of learners. Finally, stigma around learning disabilities can lead to the perspective that only special education teachers need this training. The capabilities of students with learning disabilities are underestimated, leading to lowered expectations in core math classrooms.
Integrating dyscalculia and learning disabilities into general math teacher training would emphasize that all teachers share responsibility for reaching struggling students. It would combat assumptions that only special education staff can teach these students. Additionally, training all teachers in differentiated math instruction and early screening for disabilities could diagnose dyscalculia earlier and provide better math support for all learners. Reforming teacher prep to address diverse learning needs in math classrooms is critical for student success.
Do I need to write another book after Holistic Language Instruction? What about Holistic Maths Instruction?
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.