Miracle Math Classroom: T1I S1 E1

02/06/24 • 21 min

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In this enlightening episode of Tier One Interventions, hosts Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer embark on a thought-provoking journey into the world of education, mainly focusing on the impact of COVID-19 and the evolution of Tier One interventions. They begin by exploring the concept of tier-one intervention, emphasizing its role in creating an inclusive, accessible, yet intellectually challenging environment in mathematics and writing.

Jonily Zupancic delves deep into the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, highlighting a crucial turning point in educational practices. She argues persuasively for a paradigm shift in classroom instruction, advocating for an approach that serves more students efficiently and effectively, reducing the need for intensive interventions at higher tiers.

Cheri Dotterer brings a unique perspective from her occupational therapy background, discussing the escalating demands on OTs pre-COVID and the profound changes in the educational landscape following the pandemic. Her insights into the shifts in legislation and its impact on education, particularly in writing and fine motor skills, provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges educators and students face.

The episode is not just about highlighting problems; it's a beacon of hope and practical solutions. The hosts discuss strategies to enhance the complexity of mathematics education while maintaining accessibility for all students. They also address the decline in explicit writing instruction, drawing parallels to mathematics education and underscoring the need for a holistic approach to learning.

Listeners are invited to join this enlightening conversation, a thought-provoking exercise in reimagining education. The episode promises to blend insightful analysis, innovative ideas, and practical strategies, making it a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education.

Subscribe to Tier One Interventions to stay updated on transformative educational practices, and don't forget to rate and review the podcast. Every vote counts in shaping the future of education!

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
Look for episodes on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday.
Join Us Live on the 3rd Saturday.
Tier1Interventions.com

Subscribe to Tier One Interventions to stay updated on transformative educational practices, and don't forget to rate and review the podcast. Every vote counts in shaping the future of education!

Previous Episode

Tier 1 Interventions Podcast Trailer

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
Look for episodes on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday.
Join Us Live on the 3rd Saturday.
Tier1Interventions.com

Math 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, that’s 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 everyone’s 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, sans July, for the math behind the Reference Task. Every live event is approximately 2.5 contact hours. The first 30-ish minutes become this podcast. To hear the entire training, join our membership program.

Please note: we will not record on holiday weekends. Join our mailing list for updates on dates.

To join us live, register at Tier1interventions.com. The 2.5-hour sessions include the PowerPoint slides, additional audio files of Jonily teaching the Reference Task, resources from Cheri, and much more. A subscription to these 2.5-hour Workshops is $97/month or $947/year.

Membership includes:
Approximately 27.5 hours of direct training per year
Audio files of Jonily Teaching
PowerPoint Slides to grab and use in your Magic Math Classroom
Resources from Jonily and Cheri for you and your students
A copy of Math DYSconnected when released.

Or, listen to the first segment on your favorite podcast app for free, no membership required. No matter how you listen, you will come away with golden nuggets that will transform your classroom.

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Next Episode

How do Tier 1, 2, 3 impact the classroom: T1I E2

In this episode of the Tier 1 Interventions Podcast, hosts Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer dive deep into the impact of Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions on classroom learning. Their discussion sheds light on the foundational aspects of mathematics instruction and the importance of addressing the needs of students at the earliest stages of their education.

The Importance of Foundational Instruction
Jonily Zupancic emphasizes the critical role of foundational instruction in mathematics. She points out that a lack of prerequisite skills is a significant barrier to student success. By focusing on building a strong foundation, students can experience increased memory retention and engagement in all content areas, not just mathematics.

Streamlining Interventions for Maximum Impact
The conversation takes an interesting turn when both hosts discuss the concept of streamlining interventions. They advocate for minimal-time interventions that can significantly improve focus, memory retention, and engagement in the classroom. By simplifying the intervention process, educators can do more in less time, ensuring that the majority of students receive the support they need within the regular classroom setting.

Rethinking the Role of Tier 1 Interventions
The podcast highlights the need for a shift in mindset when it comes to Tier 1 interventions. Instead of relying heavily on Tier 2 and 3 interventions, which often involve pulling students out of the classroom for specialized support, the focus should be on enhancing the quality of instruction in the regular classroom. This approach not only reduces the number of students requiring higher-tier interventions but also fosters an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

The Megaphone Effect and Its Implications
Cheri Dotterer introduces the concept of the "megaphone effect," where the gap between struggling students and their peers widens over time. By addressing learning challenges in the early years of education, educators can reduce this gap and ensure that students have a solid foundation to build upon as they progress through their academic journey.

A Call to Action for Educators and Administrators
The podcast episode concludes with a call to action for educators and administrators to prioritize effective instructional strategies and focus on creating a supportive learning environment in the classroom. By embracing the principles of Tier 1 interventions and rethinking traditional approaches to education, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all students.

In summary, the Tier 1 Interventions Podcast provides valuable insights into the transformative power of foundational instruction and streamlined interventions. By fostering a positive learning environment and focusing on the needs of students at the earliest stages, educators can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in mathematics and beyond.

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cheridotterer.com
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