

Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden (Ep 50)
11 snips Jun 18, 2025
Join Amanda VanDerHeyden, a leading researcher and founder of Spring Math, as she untangles the complexities of universal screening in math. She emphasizes the crucial role of valid screening tools in identifying students needing support. Discover the key skills that predict math success and the pitfalls of overly simplified assessments. Amanda also shares her insights on the differences between math and reading screening, and how effective data collection aligns interventions with student needs. A must-listen for educators looking to improve math instruction!
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Purpose of Universal Screening
- Universal screening signals who might need extra academic support without diagnosing the exact issue.
- It replaces unreliable teacher nominations, standardizing early identification of students at risk.
Screening Needs Action
- Just collecting screening data isn't enough; schools must interpret and act on it effectively.
- Unnecessary screening without intervention can negatively impact student outcomes.
Choose Validated Screeners
- Use the National Center for Intensive Intervention (NCII) tools chart to find validated screening tools.
- Filter by grade and content area to identify rigorous and reliable instruments for math screening.