There are many students, both with and without disabilities, who struggle with math.  Not only are these students at a disadvantage in terms of the practical skills they will need throughout their lives, but they also often miss out on the fun and beauty that can be found in the world of mathematics.  Mathematics is more than numbers and basic operations; it is a pure logic system and a language all its own, and the discipline that connects all other disciplines.  Educators and families can open up this world to all students by finding ways to make math education engaging and accessible.

• Make sure to provide appropriate reading accommodations and support for students.  Reading comprehension can be a serious barrier to math instruction for many students, but it doesn't have to be.  Take steps to ensure that students understand written directions, word problems and other text-based content, so they can show what they know and so they don't miss out on important concepts.
• Reinforce basic skills with frequent practice by incorporating skills-maintenance activities into lessons on new material.  Students often forget certain rules for computation and steps in more complex operations without regular opportunities to use these skills, so ensure that students maintain a strong foundation to support new concepts and material.
• Align instruction for all students with grade-level curriculum standards.  Although students who struggle in math may need time to work on fundamentals, it is important that they have access to the full math curriculum.  Check out ISN's webinar on December 3, 2008: "Reflecting Upon the NCTM Focal Points and the Role of the Special Educator in Today's Mathematics Classroom" with Drs. Henry Kepner and Lisa Dieker.
• Look for opportunities to foster group work and peer coaching.  With adequate support and supervision, students can learn from each other in unique ways and can team up in applying their problem-solving skills.
• Look for ways to help students make practical connections between math concepts and the world around them.  There are direct connections between math and such disciplines as science and engineering, but you can also challenge students to explore ways in which their own interests relate to the field of mathematics.
• Hands-on activities can increase engagement for many learners.  Topics such as measurement, geometry and physics naturally lend themselves to hands-on learning, and can be tied in to a number of other math concepts and skills.
• The internet is a good resource for educators looking to differentiate instruction for diverse learners in their classrooms.  Check out the Addressing Accessibility in Mathematics website for a variety of Accessibility Strategies and Tools, at: http://www2.edc.org/accessMath/resources/strategies.asp.