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Tier 1 Interventions

Tier 1 Interventions

By: Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer
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 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, 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's Hear Me Teach segments - complete *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, you can listen to the first segment on your favorite podcast app for free; no membership is required. No matter how you listen, you will come away with golden nuggets that will transform your classroom. Reach out to Jonily: jonily@mindsonmath.com Reach out to Cheri: info@cheridotterer.com Tier1Interventions.com2024 Minds on Math, LLC and Dotterer Educational Consulting Language Learning Mathematics Science
Episodes
  • Why Number Lines Break Kids (And How to Fix Them)

    Why Number Lines Break Kids (And How to Fix Them)
    Dec 23 2025
    What’s wrong with number lines in math instruction? They’re among the most widely used tools in classrooms and among the most damaging when introduced too early.In this episode of Tier One Interventions, we put number lines on trial.Number lines are highly abstract representations of quantity, yet many students are expected to use them before they have built the concrete, visual foundations required to understand them. This often leads to confusion, guessing, shutdown, and long-term gaps in math understanding, especially for neurodivergent learners, students with ADHD, dysgraphia, or working-memory challenges.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why number lines are more abstract than teachers realizeWhy students freeze on number line problemsHow number lines can break math understanding instead of building itThe missing instructional steps between concrete and abstract mathWhy tools like the 120 chart, arrays, rectangles, bar models, and paper strips must come before number linesHow improper sequencing affects fact fluency, fractions, and algebraWhat to do when number lines appear on testsThis conversation is essential for:Elementary teachersSpecial education teachersMath interventionistsHomeschool parentsParents of neurodivergent learnersAnyone teaching math conceptuallyIf your students understand math one day and lose it the next, the problem may not be the student — it may be the tool.👉 Want to see the full instructional progression step-by-step? Join one Mastery Math Method Workshop for just $47.https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why Math Isn’t Sticking01:08 – What “Teaching Math Backwards” Really Means02:40 – Why A’s Don’t Equal Mastery04:12 – Answer-Getting vs Mathematical Thinking06:05 – The Power of Structure in Math08:10 – Rectangles, Arrays, and Visual Models10:02 – Diamond Problems Explained12:25 – Early Algebra Starts Sooner Than You Think14:40 – Why Exposure Beats Memorization17:05 – Teaching for Reasoning and Sense-Making19:10 – What Tier 1 Math Interventions Should Look Like21:30 – How to Fix Math Instruction Moving Forward23:45 – Next Steps: Learn the Mastery Math Method🎯 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.Keywordsnumber lines mathmath number linemath interventionmath strategies for struggling studentsneurodivergent learners mathADHD math strategiesdysgraphia mathconceptual math teachingmath teaching mistakeswhy students struggle with mathmath tools explainedelementary math instructionmath sense makingbar models math120 chart mathmath for homeschoolersspecial education mathmath pedagogymastery mathtier 1 interventions
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    20 mins
  • We're Teaching MATH Backwards

    We're Teaching MATH Backwards
    Dec 16 2025
    We’re teaching math backwards — and it’s one of the biggest reasons students struggle with understanding, retention, and confidence.In this Tier 1 Interventions episode, Jonily Zupancic explains why traditional math instruction focuses too heavily on answers rather than thinking and how that sequencing mistake creates fragile learning.When students can get correct answers but can’t explain their reasoning, transfer skills, or retain concepts, the issue isn’t effort or intelligence. It’s how math is being taught.Using real classroom examples and student work, you’ll learn:Why answer-getting doesn’t equal math masteryHow visual math structures (rectangles, arrays, diamond problems) support understandingWhy early algebra exposure should begin in elementary schoolHow Tier 1 math interventions can reduce frustration and build confidenceWhat it means to teach math for thinking, reasoning, and sense-makingThis video is for:Elementary and middle school teachersMath interventionists and specialistsHomeschool parentsEducators supporting struggling or neurodivergent learners👉 Want to see the full system in action? You can experience one Mastery Math Method workshop for just $47 and walk step-by-step through the approach used in this video.👉 Want to experience the full workshop? You can sign up to experience one workshop for just $47. The link is here.https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why Math Isn’t Sticking01:08 – What “Teaching Math Backwards” Really Means02:40 – Why A’s Don’t Equal Mastery04:12 – Answer-Getting vs Mathematical Thinking06:05 – The Power of Structure in Math08:10 – Rectangles, Arrays, and Visual Models10:02 – Diamond Problems Explained12:25 – Early Algebra Starts Sooner Than You Think14:40 – Why Exposure Beats Memorization17:05 – Teaching for Reasoning and Sense-Making19:10 – What Tier 1 Math Interventions Should Look Like21:30 – How to Fix Math Instruction Moving Forward23:45 – Next Steps: Learn the Mastery Math Method🎯 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.Keywordsteaching math backwardsmath mastery vs memorizationTier 1 math interventionsmath intervention strategieswhy students struggle in mathvisual math modelsearly algebra instructionmath sense makingelementary math teaching strategiesmath for neurodivergent learners🏷️ Hashtags#MathIsMessy #Tier1Interventions #MasteryMathMethod #BrainBasedLearning #REWIREMethod #OTinSchools #TeacherMindset
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    15 mins
  • Why As don't equal mastery

    Why As don't equal mastery
    Dec 11 2025


    Why do students earn A’s in math… yet still struggle to pass state tests?
     In today’s episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic uncover the hidden truth behind traditional grading: grades measure compliance—NOT mastery.


    You’ll learn why “good students” often carry the deepest learning gaps, how traditional grading systems mislead parents and teachers, and what REAL mastery looks like inside a math classroom.


    ✔ Why A’s don’t equal mastery
    ✔ Why compliant students still have conceptual gaps
    ✔ How nonlinear instruction strengthens the math brain
    ✔ Why multitasking is a myth (and what switch-tasking really is)
    ✔ How to redesign math learning around true understanding
    ✔ The 3 visual anchors that transform math thinking:     Lockers, Rectangles & Pizzas


    If you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, interventionist, or administrator who wants students to actually understand math—not just earn grades—this episode is essential.


    Drop your favorite math jingles in the comments.


    👉     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

    ⏱️ Chapters

    00:00 – Welcome + Why This Episode Matters

    00:37 – Nonlinear Teaching & The 12 Song Story

    01:33 – Why Traditional Learning Fails Many Students

    02:27 – Multitasking vs. Switch-Tasking

    03:58 – Nonlinear Thinking in Math Instruction

    05:53 – When “Good” Students Struggle Most

    06:45 – The Parent Question That Exposed the Problem

    08:12 – Straight A’s but Failing State Tests

    09:40 – Why Grades Don’t Measure Mastery

    11:00 – Teachers Sound Off on Grading Scales

    12:30 – Compliance vs. Understanding

    13:18 – Why We Need Mastery-Based Grading

    14:05 – Humor, Memory & Celine Dion

    15:10 – Type A vs. Type Z Teachers

    16:40 – What Needs to Change in Math Education

    17:00 – Closing + Next Week’s Teaser


    🎯 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?

    Spotify
    Apple Podcasts
    Amazon/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-bundle
    Mastery 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
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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