Supports
Misconceptions
General Information
100

List three Tier 1 supports.

Visual Aids

Number Line

Place Value Chart

Calculators

Multiplication Chart

Comprehension of Terms and Vocab

Anchor Chart

Exemplars

Chunking/

Scaffolding

Drawings/Different Representation Models

Hands-on Manipulatives

Student Interest Examples/Applications

100

True or False: Students who struggle with math automatically have dyscalculia.

False

100

Dyscalculia is...

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures.

(DfES, 2001, p. 2).

200

Reduced instruction would fall into which tier of supports?

Tier 3

200

True or False: Having dyscalculia also means you struggle with reading and writing. 

False

200

By taking _____ away teachers can make dyscalculic students feel like they have a learning disability rather than a learning barrier. 

math tools

300

Would use of calculators be a Tier 1 support? 

Yes

300

True or False: Dyscalculia and math anxiety are the same thing

True

300

What are three assessment strategies that can aid students with dyscalculia? 


  • Allow calculator, Multiplication/Division charts when NOT testing for computation
  • Provide extra time & provide different formats
  • Decrease the amount of Math problems
  • Giving Partial Marks - Focusing on strengths!
  • Use Manipulatives
  • Highlight key words on word problems
400

What is one way we can build student's confidence in math?

Praised effort instead of emphasis on speed. 

Emphasis on strengths vs struggles. 

400

What are two strengths students with dyscalculia can have?

Mental Stamina and Perserverance

Creativity

Practical hands-on abilities

Intuitive Thinking Skills 

Arts and Literature

Having a different perspective - fresh ideas

400

Give an example of how dyscalculia affects students using the social model. 

1. Activities that require innate number sense are difficult for dyscalculic learners such as: shopping, budgeting, time management.

2.Careers that assume basic Math recall (without relying on tools) would provide barriers to dyscalculic learners: Medical Field, High-Stress Jobs (i.e First Responders),Accounting etc

3. Negative social perceptions about dyscalculic learners can impact individual self-esteem, confidence and breed insecurities and social isolation (Mutlu, 2025)

500

Mya struggles knowing what 3 times 4 and cannot memorize her multiplication times table. Give an example of a Tier 1 and Tier 2 support you could put in place for Mya. 

Tier 1: 

Visual Aids

Number Line

Place Value Chart

Calculators

Multiplication Chart

Hands-on Manipulatives

Tier 2:

Numeracy Intervention - pull out groups

Increased Feedback/Check-Ins

Allow Oral Explanations

Step-by-step instructions

Individualized Scaffolding

Re-teaching Math vocabulary

Increased Calculator Use

500

What percentage does dyscalculia affect boys and girls? 

It affects boys and girls equally

500

What is the Alberta Education code(s) students can be are given with a dyscalculia diagnosis?

Potential areas of impact can be: 

  • Learning Disability in Mathematics (Code 54)
  • Intellectual Disability - Mild/Moderate (Code 51 & 52)
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