Executive Functioning Skills
What is executive function in simple terms?
The brain skills used to plan, organize, and complete tasks.
What does MTSS stand for?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
What does CRA stand for?
Concrete, Representational, Abstract
What does “building capacity” mean in math instruction?
Designing systems that support all learners, not just fixing individual students
What do the three UDL principles stand for?
Engagement, Representation, Action & Expression
Name one EF skill important in math.
Working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, or planning.
What percentage of students are typically supported at Tier 1?
About 80–85%
What is an example of the “concrete” stage in math?
Manipulatives like blocks or tiles
Which tier of MTSS has the greatest impact on capacity building?
Tier 1
Why is offering multiple ways to show understanding important in math?
It reduces barriers and allows more students to demonstrate learning.
Why is working memory important in multi-step math problems?
Students must hold and process multiple steps at once.
What is the focus of Tier 2 support?
Targeted small-group intervention
Why is the representational stage important?
It connects physical models to drawings before symbols.
How do UDL and CRA together build capacity?
UDL removes barriers; CRA builds understanding through progression.
Give one example of UDL in a fractions lesson.
Fraction tiles, number lines, drawings, or verbal explanations.
Give one classroom strategy that supports EF in math.
Checklists, chunking tasks, visual steps, or guided notes.
Why is strong Tier 1 instruction important in MTSS?
It reduces the number of students needing intervention.
How does CRA reduce student errors?
It builds understanding before abstract symbols are used.
Why is focusing only on intervention not enough?
It ignores Tier 1 design, which is where most learning happens.
How does UDL support diverse learners in Tier 1 instruction?
It proactively removes barriers so fewer students need intervention.
A student understands concepts but forgets steps during problem solving. What EF skill is involved and what support helps?
Working memory; step cards, visuals, or scaffolding.
A teacher pulls the same 5 students daily but they aren’t improving. What MTSS issue might this indicate?
Weak Tier 1 instruction or misaligned intervention (system issue, not just student issue).
A student struggles with equations but succeeds with manipulatives. What does this suggest and what should happen next?
They are not ready for abstract; continue representational scaffolding.
Explain how UDL, EF supports, CRA, and MTSS work together to build capacity in a math classroom.
UDL reduces barriers, CRA builds conceptual understanding, EF supports learning processes, and MTSS structures tiered support—all strengthening Tier 1 and reducing need for intervention.
A math lesson only uses lecture and worksheets. What UDL principle is missing and what is one fix?
Representation/action-expression/engagement; add visuals, manipulatives, choice, or discourse.