Signs of Math Difficulties

Students are known to self-identify as “good” or “bad” in math as early as 2nd grade! It’s unfortunate because many math difficulties can be overcome when students are given the right supports and encouragement. Common signs of math difficulties:

Lacks age appropriate fluency in math facts

Difficulty getting started independently on problem sets

Understands concepts but struggles with mental math or multi-step problems

“Freezes” on math tests but not in other subjects

Struggles to set up problems neatly, e.g. proper columns, decimals points, etc.

Cannot explain concepts or provide examples of when they might use the math skill in a real world situation

Does well on end of unit tests but “completely forgets” after the test