Math disabilities and instruction

Students whose learning disabilities center around arithmetic functioning are called dyscalculic. This problem involves an inability to perform basic math functions (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) or to apply those operations to daily situations. Sometimes the problem is in understanding the abstract concepts of mathematical usage.

Services and Programs

Family Outreach Center and Disability Services
Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services.
Britt Henderson Training Series
This annual series of workshops provides training for general and special education teachers, with the goal of improving the quality of education for students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings.
Curriculum-Based Measurement for Reading and Math
Weekly Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) tests provide systematic, frequent feedback to students and teachers. CBM is one of several validated classroom-based and school-wide interventions developed to increase educators' capacity to improve students' learning and to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Services for Educators
Includes outreach programs for educators.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

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Links and Resources

Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education
Making Schools Work for Every Child
LD OnLine
Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities for Parents, Teachers, and Children
The IRIS Center
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the IRIS Center develops training enhancement materials to be used by faculty and professional development providers for the preparation of current and future school personnel.

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Upcoming Events

January, 27 2010 - Registration Required
Britt Henderson Training Series: Self-Monitoring
February, 17 2010 - Registration Required
Britt Henderson Training Series: Behavioral Contracts
March, 03 2010 - Registration Required
Britt Henderson Training Series: Brushing Up on the Basics

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Video, Podcast and Images

Educational Neuroscience: Insights into Attention, Reading, and Mathematics
Bruce McCandliss, Ph.D., Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member presents at the October, 2009 Developmental Disabilities Grand Rounds.

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