Challenges in Mathematics

#1 Memorization
Many LD students struggle with
memorization. Often in secondary math,
knowing ones multiplication facts and
division facts is a prerequisite.

#2 Vocabulary
Many LD students lack the background
knowledge to approach and decode
vocabulary. They lack the ability to connect

and infer word meaning.

#3 Decoding/Solving Word Problems

Tackling mathematics word problems requires the ability

to read, decipher the problem, determine what is

unknown, understand arithmetic operations, choose
appropriate operations, use strategies, attend, hold
information in working memory, understand vocabulary,
adjust thinking, and access metacognitive and selfregulation skills (Fuchs et al., 2008; Carrett, Mazzocco,
& Baker, 2006; Hart, Petrill, Thompson, & Plomin, 2009;
Jitendra & Star, 2011; Swanson, Jerman, & Zheng, 2008;
Woodward et al, 2012).

#4 Textbook Reading
Textbook reading is extremely dense and
more difficult in Middle School. Many LD

students dont have the appropriate

background knowledge to approach
textbook reading. LD students may
struggle with decoding and
vocabulary. LD students may also
struggle to understand or
conceptualize meaning.

#5 Computation Skills
Many LD students struggle
with basic computation
skills. Their memory deficits
and lack of memorized facts
negatively impacts their
computation skills.

#6 Motivation
After many years of struggle and failure in
mathematics, many LD math students
struggle with motivation by middle
school. As skills get hard, their deficits get
bigger, further frustrating them.

Group Discussion Questions:

-What challenges do you experience in your
classroom?
-How do you accommodate or modify these
challenges?
-What resources do you use to address these
challenges?
-What challenges would you like more support
addressing?