Before you read, make sure to check out the post for my 5 favorite ELA curricula!
Introduction
When it comes to supporting struggling learners for math skills, special education teachers need comprehensive and effective math curriculum designed to meet their students’ unique needs. In this blog post, we will explore five outstanding math curricula that have proven to be highly beneficial for special education classrooms. These are the ones that I suggest!
These curricula not only offer engaging content but also provide differentiated instruction, multi-sensory approaches, and comprehensive support to help struggling learners succeed. Let’s dive into the details of each math curriculum in no particular order and discover how they can transform math instruction for students with special needs.
Learn more about how to adapt math concepts in this post.
1. Early Numeracy by Attainment Company
Website: https://www.attainmentcompany.com/early-numeracy-curriculum
Attainment Company’s Early Numeracy Curriculum is a comprehensive and innovative resource designed to support students in developing essential numeracy skills. Grounded in research-based practices, this math curriculum caters to the diverse needs of learners, including those with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
The program offers a structured and engaging approach to numeracy, covering foundational concepts that are crucial for academic success. With a focus on hands-on activities, visual supports, and differentiated instruction, the Early Numeracy Math Curriculum addresses various learning styles and ensures accessibility. The inclusion of technology and interactive elements enhances student engagement, making learning both effective and enjoyable.
This curriculum stands out for its commitment to providing educators with tools that facilitate meaningful math instruction, empowering students to build a solid mathematical foundation. The only drawback that I have seen is that it does not explicitly teach the skills in the program, just continues to use repetition to gain knowledge.
2. iReady and Teacher Toolbox by Curriculum Associates
Website: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/programs/i-ready-learning/teacher-toolbox
Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready and Teacher Toolbox curriculum is a dynamic and comprehensive educational solution designed to enhance student learning and support teachers in delivering effective instruction.
i-Ready is an adaptive learning platform that provides personalized learning experiences for students, assessing their abilities and tailoring content to address individual needs. The program covers both English language arts and mathematics, offering engaging lessons, practice opportunities, and progress tracking.
The Teacher Toolbox complements i-Ready by providing educators with a wealth of instructional resources, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments. This combination empowers teachers to create a well-rounded and customized learning experience that aligns with students’ needs in a math curriculum.
The integration of technology, data-driven insights, and teacher support makes i-Ready and Teacher Toolbox a valuable asset for educators striving to maximize student success in the classroom.
3. Illustrative Mathematics
Website: https://illustrativemathematics.org
Illustrative Mathematics is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing high-quality mathematics education resources for educators, students, and parents. Their mission is to create a world where learners understand, use, and enjoy mathematics. Illustrative Mathematics offers a comprehensive platform featuring free, standards-aligned curriculum, professional development tools, and a vibrant online community.
The curriculum is designed to foster deep understanding and problem-solving skills, allowing students to engage with mathematical concepts in a meaningful way. With a commitment to accessibility and excellence, Illustrative Mathematics contributes significantly to the advancement of math education by providing valuable resources that support educators in delivering effective and engaging instruction.
4. Go! Math Curriculum and IntoMath by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH)
Website: https://www.hmhco.com
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s (HMH) Go Math! and IntoMath are comprehensive educational programs designed to provide effective and engaging learning experiences for students.
Go Math! is a widely used program in elementary schools K-6, offering a standards-based curriculum that covers key mathematical concepts and skills. It incorporates a variety of instructional resources, including print and digital materials, to support both teachers and students in the learning process.
IntoMath, on the other hand, is designed for middle school students, providing a rigorous and standards-aligned curriculum. It aims to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and build essential skills for higher-level math courses. IntoMath offers a blend of print and digital resources, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Both programs from HMH emphasize conceptual understanding, procedural math fluency, and real-world application of mathematical concepts. The integration of technology and diverse resources enhances the overall learning experience, and the programs are aligned with educational standards to ensure consistency and quality in mathematics education.
5. IXL
Website: https://www.ixl.com/
Although, not a curriculum, I do love the structure and differentiation that teachers can use for their students during independent work or centers. You could also use this as an online math curriculum for homeschool.
IXL is an online educational platform that offers a comprehensive and personalized learning experience for students across various grade levels. The platform covers a wide range of subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies. IXL’s adaptive learning technology tailors the content to each student’s individual skill level, providing targeted practice problems and interactive exercises to reinforce concepts.
With a vast array of questions and skill levels, IXL supports differentiated instruction and helps students build a solid foundation in key academic areas. The platform also provides instant feedback to students and detailed analytics to teachers, allowing for continuous assessment and informed decision-making in the learning process. IXL is widely used in schools and by homeschooling families to supplement traditional instruction and promote student mastery of essential skills.
Conclusion
Incorporating effective math curriculum is essential for special education teachers seeking to empower struggling learners with the math skills and confidence needed to navigate the world of literacy. The five curricula highlighted in this blog post provide special education teachers with comprehensive resources, differentiated instruction, and inclusive materials. By leveraging these curricula, teachers can create engaging, accessible, and impactful literacy skills experiences that unlock the full potential of their students with special needs.
Read more about how I adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
5 Ways to Increase Math Confidence
Instagram | TeachersPayTeachers | Facebook | Boom Learning Library