Math Pathways & Pitfalls® transforms common mathematical errors that elementary school and middle school students make into learning opportunities. Rather than avoiding errors and misunderstandings, our approach confronts these pitfalls directly, converting them into pathways for mastering key mathematics standards. This flexible, research-backed intervention serves diverse purposes—whether helping students who struggle to catch up or preventing problems before they emerge.
Aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, each book for available grade ranges builds foundational skills while preparing students for future algebra concepts. Rigorous studies of Math Pathways & Pitfalls—including two national randomized trials—demonstrated significant improvements in math achievement, vocabulary development, and outcomes for multilingual learners across all student populations.
What Do We Mean by Prevention?
Teachers can use Math Pathways & Pitfalls lessons at the beginning of a math unit to spot common mistakes or difficulties their students might run into later on. This helps teachers know what misunderstandings to watch out for and address before they become bigger problems.
Lessons and instructional strategies are designed to do the following:
- Involve all students in understanding key mathematical concepts
- Provide students with guided and independent practice
- Support academic language development
- Add value to any preexisting curriculum, including through prevention
The program works in many different purposes as
- a complement to your core curriculum during the regular school day (whole class and small groups);
- an intervention for after-school programs;
- a tool for tutoring sessions; and
- a resource for intersession classes.
Keep Exploring:
“Math Pathways & Pitfalls helps students get in the habit of thinking about problems before they answer them. On standardized tests, they’ll have a multiple choice and that pitfall answer will be there.”
—Grade 1 Teacher