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Tier 1 InterventionsMath intervention, writing intervention, neurobiology, and cognitive-based learning - Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer are sharing how to incorporate them into your classroom. Author: Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer
Math intervention, writing intervention, neurobiology, and cognitive-based learning - Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer are sharing how to incorporate them into your classroom. Jonily is a secondary math teacher and instructional coach for math K-12. Cheri is an occupational therapist specializing in neurology-based treatment across the lifespan and a Strategy-based Interventionist. Jonily secretly calls Cheri her Lesson Plan Whisperer because Cheri is always in her head, reminding her of the foundations of development before academics begin. They met in 2018 and have been talking ever since. Together, they have discovered the Miracle Math Classroom. This classroom embeds all math standards from Kindergarten to twelfth grade, plus neuro-based interventions that improve proficiency and boost student engagement. Both gifted and learning support students thrive using the interventions they share, plus all students in between. Using cognitive enhancing techniques strategically placed in the lesson plan, students learn more and enjoy school more, and fewer students get removed from critical instruction for Tier Three Interventions. Jonily has discovered how to teach all Kindergarten through algebra math standards using twelve, thats right, twelve Reference Tasks. They include the Pizza Problem, 120-Chart, Paper Folding, Making Rectangles, Quick Dots, Locker Problem, Jesse and Kay, Geoboard, Candy Problem, Paint Problem, Staircase, and the Function Machine. Cheri uses Body-Brain Anchors to ignite the flame inside everyones brain for learning. Whether a person is five or 90, her strategy-based interventions will ignite that flame. These Brain-Body Anchors include the Handstand Flip, Interlaced Bilateral Integration, and the Body Sentence Alphabet. Together, they connect the puzzle behind math instruction and instructional delivery alongside these cognitive-enhancing activities to maximize math education for all students. Join us live on the third Saturday of the month, sa Language: en Genres: Education, Language Learning, Mathematics, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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WHY Your Math Curriculum Isn’t Working
Episode 12
Tuesday, 25 November, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered why your students still don’t “get” math—even with all the new textbooks, intervention programs, small groups, apps, and training—this episode will change everything.In today’s conversation, Cheri and Jonily pull back the curtain on the brutal truth:👉 The problem isn’t your students. The problem isn’t you. The problem is the system.Math scores across the U.S. have crashed to historic lows. Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups are overflowing. Teachers are exhausted. Kids are frustrated. And the curriculum you were handed is not built to fix any of it.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:🔸 The REAL reason your math curriculum keeps failing 🔸 Why “teaching harder” never moves the needle 🔸 How mental load, attention spans, and dopamine shape learning 🔸 Why rhythm, novelty, and movement unlock mathematical thinking 🔸 How lockers, rectangles, and pizzas explain EVERYTHING about math success 🔸 The shocking data from real classrooms (54% → 84%, 27% → 60%, and more) 🔸 Why 3rd graders can learn so much more than we think 🔸 What schools must change NOW to reverse the declineThis isn’t another “curriculum review.” This is the root cause of the math crisis in America—and the brain-based pathway out of it.If you’ve ever sat in your classroom thinking, “Why aren’t they getting it? What am I missing?” …this episode will finally give you the answer.👉 Want to experience the full workshop? You can sign up to experience one workshop for just $47. The link is here.https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/mastery-math-method-dec2025/register⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Tier One Interventions Podcast00:28 – Why today’s session starts at a higher math level01:00 – Why Tier 1—not Tier 3—is the real issue02:00 – The rising crisis of U.S. math scores03:10 – Why kids “don’t get math” (and it’s not aptitude)04:05 – Why Tier 2 and Tier 3 are overloaded05:00 – What Tier One Interventions actually solve06:20 – Evidence from real classrooms: 54% → 84%, 27% → 60%, and more07:45 – Second graders eliminating all “red/yellow” scores in 6 weeks09:15 – Why this workshop series matters10:05 – Connecting Mastery Math Method to today’s episode11:00 – Lockers, Rectangles, Pizzas… and why it works11:30 – Using music and rhythm to re-trigger attention12:20 – The neuroscience of rhythm-based learning13:00 – Crossing midline, movement, rhythm, and subconscious learning14:10 – How 14-year-olds signal when their brains need novelty15:00 – Lighting, environmental shifts, and novelty triggers16:00 – The attention-span research that guides your timing16:55 – Episode wrap-up + teaser for next week17:10 – CTA: Experience one workshop for $47🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 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#MathIsMessy #Tier1Interventions #MasteryMathMethod #BrainBasedLearning #REWIREMethod #OTinSchools #TeacherMindset
