- Language in Math: Math, particularly word problems, is heavy with language. Students who struggle with reading comprehension often struggle to understand mathematical concepts, say experts.
- Cognitive Overlap: Research indicates that reading and math share underlying cognitive skills, such as working memory and executive functioning, which are crucial for success in both subjects.
- Instructional Strategies: Interventions based on the science of reading, which aid in comprehension and visualization, have been shown to help students solve mathematical word problems.
Math: Processing Breakdowns
Students with slower processing speeds or executive-function problems are often no different from their peers in math proficiency in first and second grade; but as they confront multistep computations in upper elementary school tests, their scores tumble because they lack the skills necessary to produce organized, efficient output.