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Tier 1 Interventions

Tier 1 Interventions

By: Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer
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 Math intervention, writing intervention, neurobiology, and cognitive-based learning - Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer are sharing how to incorporate them into your classroom. Jonily is a secondary math teacher and instructional coach for math K-12. Cheri is an occupational therapist specializing in neurology-based treatment across the lifespan and a Strategy-based Interventionist. Jonily secretly calls Cheri her Lesson Plan Whisperer because Cheri is always in her head, reminding her of the foundations of development before academics begin. They met in 2018 and have been talking ever since. Together, they have discovered the Miracle Math Classroom. This classroom embeds all math standards from Kindergarten to twelfth grade, plus neuro-based interventions that improve proficiency and boost student engagement. Both gifted and learning support students thrive using the interventions they share, plus all students in between. Using cognitive enhancing techniques strategically placed in the lesson plan, students learn more and enjoy school more, and fewer students get removed from critical instruction for Tier Three Interventions. Jonily has discovered how to teach all Kindergarten through algebra math standards using twelve, that’s right, twelve Reference Tasks. They include the Pizza Problem, 120-Chart, Paper Folding, Making Rectangles, Quick Dots, Locker Problem, Jesse and Kay, Geoboard, Candy Problem, Paint Problem, Staircase, and the Function Machine. Cheri uses Body-Brain Anchors to ignite the flame inside everyone’s brain for learning. Whether a person is five or 90, her strategy-based interventions will ignite that flame. These Brain-Body Anchors include the Handstand Flip, Interlaced Bilateral Integration, and the Body Sentence Alphabet. Together, they connect the puzzle behind math instruction and instructional delivery alongside these cognitive-enhancing activities to maximize math education for all students. Join us live on the third Saturday of the month, sans July, for the math behind the Reference Task. Every live event is approximately 2.5 contact hours. The first 30-ish minutes become this podcast. To hear the entire training, join our membership program. Please note: we will not record on holiday weekends. Join our mailing list for updates on dates. To join us live, register at Tier1interventions.com. The 2.5-hour sessions include the PowerPoint slides, additional audio files of Jonily teaching the Reference Task, resources from Cheri, and much more. A subscription to these 2.5-hour Workshops is $97/month or $947/year. Membership includes: *Approximately 27.5 hours of direct training per year *Audio files of Jonily's Hear Me Teach segments - complete *PowerPoint Slides to grab and use in your Magic Math Classroom *Resources from Jonily and Cheri for you and your students *A copy of Math DYSconnected when released. Or, you can listen to the first segment on your favorite podcast app for free; no membership is required. No matter how you listen, you will come away with golden nuggets that will transform your classroom. Reach out to Jonily: jonily@mindsonmath.com Reach out to Cheri: info@cheridotterer.com Tier1Interventions.com2024 Minds on Math, LLC and Dotterer Educational Consulting Language Learning Mathematics Science
Episodes
  • What Story Is Math Telling

    What Story Is Math Telling
    Feb 3 2026
    Every school district is telling a math story, whether they realize it or not.In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, we unpack a critical but often overlooked question: What story is your K–12 math system actually telling students?Using the “novel model” for math instruction, this segment challenges traditional pacing guides, chapter-by-chapter textbooks, and the assumption that all standards matter equally. Instead, we explore how defining an ultimate goal, identifying essential chunks, and structuring math instruction in seasons creates coherence, memory, and long-term achievement.If math progress feels stalled, fragmented, or fragile, the issue may not be effort or curriculum, but the story being told.This episode is especially relevant for district leaders, instructional coaches, math teachers, interventionists, and anyone responsible for Tier 1 math outcomes.This conversation is for:Classroom teachersMath coachesInterventionistsAdministrators and district leadersIf Tier 1 instruction feels harder every year — this episode explains why.📌 This is Part 3 of a 7-part series on rebuilding Tier 1 math from the ground up.Part 4/7 comes out next week.🔗 Get involved with Tier 1 Interventions coaching: Check the link in the show notes to join live sessions or access the full year of professional learning. Join one Mastery Math Method Workshop for just $47.https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching👇 Comment below: Where do you see kids getting stuck most often in math?⏱️ Chapters0:00 – What story is your math system telling?1:18 – Why “research-based” is misunderstood3:05 – The real reason math initiatives stall4:52 – Defining a single district math goal7:12 – How early grades shape Algebra success9:30 – Why not all standards matter equally12:10 – Essential math chunks explained15:05 – The 20-day shift that changes everything18:20 – Math rules that never expire21:10 – Why we teach operations in the wrong order24:10 – Exposure vs mastery (the novel model)27:05 – Why chapter-by-chapter fails the brain29:40 – The hidden mistakes sabotaging math32:10 – What Tier 1 systems do differently🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Live sessions (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.KeywordsTier 1 math instruction, math achievement, math intervention, Algebra 1 instruction, brain-based math, math pacing guide, math scope and sequence, Novel Model, Mastery Math Method, math structure, K-12 math, math education reform, Tier 1 interventions, number sense, math retention
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    21 mins
  • Why Tier 1 Math Fails Before Instruction Even Begins

    Why Tier 1 Math Fails Before Instruction Even Begins
    Jan 13 2026
    Most Tier 1 math conversations focus on instruction — better lessons, better strategies, better interventions.But what if the problem starts before teaching even begins?In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, we unpack the real issue hiding underneath low math achievement: 👉 a structural design problem, not an instructional one.You’ll learn:Why traditional pacing guides and scope & sequence models break downHow Tier 1 math fails when the year isn’t designed intentionallyWhy fixing lessons won’t work if the structure is flawedWhat it means to design math instruction using a novel model instead of a checklist modelThis conversation is for:Classroom teachersMath coachesInterventionistsAdministrators and district leadersIf Tier 1 instruction feels harder every year — this episode explains why.📌 This is Part 2 of a 7-part series on rebuilding Tier 1 math from the ground up.Part 3/7 comes out next week.🔗 Get involved with Tier 1 Interventions coaching: Check the link in the show notes to join live sessions or access the full year of professional learning. Join one Mastery Math Method Workshop for just $47.https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching👇 Comment below: Where do you see kids getting stuck most often in math?⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why Tier 1 math failure isn’t about instruction01:00 – The real problem: structure comes before teaching02:05 – Why pacing guides and scope & sequence break down03:10 – Tier 1 math has a design problem, not a skill problem04:15 – Why fixing lessons won’t fix Tier 1 outcomes05:25 – Introducing the Novel Model for Tier 1 math06:40 – What “pre-planning the year” actually means07:55 – Why most districts design math backward09:10 – The danger of checklist-based curriculum models10:30 – Why Tier 1 collapses before instruction even begins12:00 – What changes when the structure is fixed first13:20 – How this applies beyond math (Tier 1 systems)14:45 – Who this work is for and how to get involved16:30 – Closing thoughts + what’s coming in Part 3🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Live sessions (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.KeywordsTier 1 math instruction, math achievement, math intervention, Algebra 1 instruction, brain-based math, math pacing guide, math scope and sequence, Novel Model, Mastery Math Method, math structure, K-12 math, math education reform, Tier 1 interventions, number sense, math retention
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    20 mins
  • Transform Your Tier 1 Math Classroom

    Transform Your Tier 1 Math Classroom
    Jan 6 2026
    Math achievement is not a Tier 2 or Tier 3 problem — it’s a Tier 1 structure problem.In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily unpack what it truly means to transform a Tier 1 math classroom. Drawing from real classroom results in high school Algebra 1, this conversation explains why traditional pacing guides, textbooks, and scope-and-sequence models fail most students — and what to do instead.You’ll learn:Why math achievement collapses when Tier 1 instruction is misaligned with how the brain learnsHow the Novel Model restructures math instruction for deeper understanding and retentionWhy exposure matters more than mastery early in the yearHow to teach more math in less time without increasing pressureWhy Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions cannot fix a Tier 1 design problemHow chunking, structure, and story transform number sense and confidenceThis episode is essential viewing for: ✔ Math teachers (K–12) ✔ Instructional coaches ✔ Administrators & curriculum directors ✔ Special educators & interventionists ✔ Occupational therapists supporting math learningIf you’re ready to stop blaming students — and start fixing structure — this episode lays out the roadmap.🔗 Get involved with Tier 1 Interventions coaching: Check the link in the show notes to join live sessions or access the full year of professional learning. Join one Mastery Math Method Workshop for just $47.https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching👇 Comment below: Where do you see kids getting stuck most often in math?⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Mission Accomplished: Why This Conversation Matters01:00 – Teaching Algebra 1 Again: Real Classroom Context02:00 – What “Mission Accomplished” Actually Means03:00 – The Real Math Crisis (It’s Not About Math)04:15 – Cognitive Ability, Percentiles, and Placement Reality06:30 – Why Average Students Are Failing Under Traditional Models08:00 – The Structure Problem in Math Education09:30 – Why Pacing Guides and Textbooks Are the Issue11:00 – Saying the Same Thing on Purpose: How Learning Works12:00 – Introducing the Novel Model13:15 – Teaching More Math in Less Time14:30 – Engagement, Retention, and Number Sense15:45 – Why Tier 2 and Tier 3 Can’t Fix Tier 117:00 – Tier 1 Interventions Explained18:30 – Planning in Chunks, Not Sequences20:00 – Lockers, Rectangles, and Pizzas: A Core Chunk21:30 – What Story Are You Telling in Math?22:45 – Designing the School Year Like a Novel24:00 – Exposure vs Mastery: The First 15 Days25:30 – How Any Teacher Can Implement This Now26:45 – Coaching Opportunities and Next Steps🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go?SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon/Audible🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network🧠 Resources Mentioned:Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundleMastery Math Method Live sessions (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.KeywordsTier 1 math instruction, math achievement, math intervention, Algebra 1 instruction, brain-based math, math pacing guide, math scope and sequence, Novel Model, Mastery Math Method, math structure, K-12 math, math education reform, Tier 1 interventions, number sense, math retention
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    27 mins
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