Math Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties - Practical

In this review of Math Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties the bottom line is clear: this third edition is a practical, research-grounded resource for PreK-12 teachers who need concrete strategies to support learners with math challenges. The book's strongest asset is its combination of assessment guidance and instructional strands that tie directly to standards, making it useful for teachers who must align lesson plans with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. For educators seeking classroom-ready ideas and a thoughtful treatment of attitudes and language around math, this is a worthwhile read.

Key Features

• Standards alignment: The text explicitly references NCTM benchmarks and Common Core to help teachers design lessons that meet current expectations.
• Assessment to instruction: Chapters on assessment precede instructional strategies so teachers can use evaluation to guide targeted teaching choices.
• Focus on attitudes and language: The book addresses teacher and student attitudes toward mathematics and language issues that affect learning, improving classroom interaction.
• Coverage of disabilities and cognition: Specific mathematics disabilities and cognitive and metacognitive factors are explored to inform differentiated instruction.
• Practical activities: Replete with class activities and field extensions, it offers usable tasks teachers can adapt for diverse learners.
• Updated research: The third edition incorporates current research across topics to support evidence-based practice.

Who It's For

Preservice and inservice teachers working in general or special education will find this book most valuable, particularly those responsible for planning lessons across grade bands who must reconcile classroom practice with standards. Teacher educators and curriculum specialists looking for a comprehensive text that links assessment and instruction will also benefit.

Teachers seeking step-by-step scripted lessons for every day may want a supplemental resource, since this book emphasizes principles, assessment-informed strategies, and activities rather than exhaustive daily lesson plans. Administrators seeking district-wide pacing guides should pair this with curriculum documents.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear connection to standards helps teachers align instruction with NCTM and Common Core expectations.
• Balanced emphasis on assessment and instruction provides a practical framework for differentiation.
• Thoughtful attention to attitudes, language, and cognitive factors supports inclusive classroom practice.
• Class activities and field extensions offer adaptable material for varied grade levels.

Cons

• The text is a conceptual and research-informed guide rather than a collection of scripted daily lesson plans for immediate classroom use.
• Readers seeking multimedia resources or digital supplements may need to look elsewhere to support implementation.

Specifications

Title	Math Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties
Edition	Third edition
Audience	PreK-12 preservice and inservice teachers
Focus	Assessment, instruction, attitudes, language, and disabilities in mathematics
Standards referenced	National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Includes	Class activities, field extensions, and updated research

Our Verdict

Math Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties is a solid, research-based resource for teachers who need a principled approach to assessment and differentiated mathematics instruction. It is good value for educators and teacher educators who want standards-aligned guidance and concrete activity ideas, though those needing fully scripted daily lessons or digital supplements should pair it with additional materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition align with Common Core?
Yes, the book references both Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and NCTM benchmarks to support standards-aligned planning.

Is it suitable for special education teachers?
Yes, it addresses specific mathematics disabilities and cognitive factors, making it useful for special education and inclusive classrooms.

Will I find ready-to-teach lesson plans?
The book offers activities and field extensions but focuses on principles and assessment-informed strategies rather than scripted daily lesson plans.