6th-12th Grade STEM Interventions

6th-12th Grade STEM Interventions

Intervention in Middle and High School should include these major components: 

Conceptual Learning Experiences: Conceptual understanding is knowing more than isolated facts and methods. The successful student understands mathematical ideas and has the ability to transfer their knowledge into new situations and apply it to new contexts. Conceptual understanding includes: 

• Purposeful questions 

• Tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving  

• Guided Practice using manipulatives or models

 Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: Needs to be tiered to the context of mathematics so students are likely to identify relationships between word meaning and mathematical concepts. High- quality vocabulary instruction helps students retain word meaning and become fluent in word use. Explicit vocabulary instruction exposes students to word meaning multiple times through rich and varied activities to relevant information about the word. 

Fluency and Basic Math Facts: Fluency develops as a result of many opportunities to practice mathematics with a high degree of success. Fluency and accuracy with math facts is an important prerequisite to higher level math problem solving skills. When students are fluent with basic facts, they are more motivated to persevere on difficult tasks and are more likely to be more confident when learning new math skills. 

Students receiving Tier II intervention support are placed in small groups according to the skill deficit to allow them additional time to respond, practice and receive feedback. The groups are fluid and should be adjusted as instructional priorities for each student changes. The strategies listed below are a limited number of strategies that can be used to meet the needs of the students and should be supported by data collection, frequent monitoring, and data-driven decision- making. 

Foundational Skills Reinforcement and Extension

Number sense and operations: Continued focus on number sense, mental math, and computational fluency, including work with rational and irrational numbers.

Algebraic thinking: Building on foundational algebraic concepts with increased emphasis on equation solving, graphing, and functions.

Geometry and measurement: Reinforcing foundational geometric concepts and introducing more complex topics like trigonometry and spatial reasoning.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Problem-solving strategies: Explicit instruction in problem-solving strategies such as working backwards, looking for patterns, and using diagrams.

Mathematical modeling: Developing skills in representing real-world problems mathematically and interpreting solutions.

Data analysis and statistics: Building on data analysis skills with increased focus on statistical inference and probability.

STEM Integration

Real-world applications: Connecting math and science concepts to real-world problems and engineering design challenges.

Inquiry-based learning: Engaging students in hands-on investigations and experiments to explore STEM concepts.

Technology integration: Using technology tools to enhance math and science learning, such as data analysis software and simulations.

Key Considerations for Tier 2 Supports

Data-driven: Use assessment data to identify students who need Tier 2 support and monitor their progress.

Intensive and explicit: Provide focused instruction with clear explanations and modeling.

Small group: Offer instruction in small groups to allow for individualized attention.

Progress monitoring: Regularly assess student progress to determine the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed.

Collaboration: Work closely with classroom teachers to coordinate instruction and ensure consistency.

Universal Math Resources & Interventions