Are your Tier 3 supports disconnected from Tier 1 math instruction?

You’re not alone. Many schools implement math intervention with the best intentions—yet students continue to miss critical Tier 1 instruction, feel left behind, and fail to make meaningful gains.

The root issue? Most systems treat Tier 3 like a separate math program instead of a coordinated extension of Tier 1. When intervention is disconnected from core instruction, students don’t just struggle—they get further behind.

This episode digs into the real reasons why tiered support often fails in math classrooms—and what leaders, coaches, and teachers can do to change that. It’s not just about pulling the right small group. It’s about building a system where all students get access to high-quality instruction, every day.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Why Tier 3 often functions in isolation—and why that fails students
• What makes math intervention effective (and what doesn’t)
• Why a shared vision for math is non-negotiable across all tiers
• How to ensure coherence in models, language, and instruction
• The importance of building teacher math content knowledge at all levels
• What math leaders can do to align PLCs, pacing, and professional learning
• Why strong MTSS math systems need more than logistics—they need leadership

If your school or district is struggling to serve students who are far behind in math, this episode is packed with real talk, research-backed recommendations, and hard-won lessons from the field.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.