Math Intervention Program Getting Results in Missouri District

The case study examines the implementation of Number Worlds, a math intervention program designed for students in grades PreK–8. The program is utilized in the Ladue School District, a suburban public school district located west of St. Louis, Missouri, serving approximately 4,100 students. Number Worlds is specifically aimed at supporting students who are below grade level in mathematics, with interventions tailored to different tiers of need. Tier 3 students, who are two to four years below grade level, receive daily 30-minute sessions, while Tier 2 students, typically one year below grade level, meet two to three times weekly for 30 minutes.

The program incorporates hands-on activities, manipulatives, and interactive games to reinforce math concepts and demonstrate their real-world applications, such as using fractions for baking or counting coins for shopping. The 2015 version of Number Worlds includes enhanced teacher-friendly features, such as digital assessment tools, progress reporting, and a teacher dashboard, alongside weekly planners and flexible lesson durations. These updates aim to improve engagement and instructional efficiency.

Results from the Ladue School District indicate significant improvements in student confidence, participation, and behavior, with many students moving closer to grade level and some exiting intervention entirely. Regular classroom teachers have observed positive changes in students’ attitudes toward math and their understanding of the material. The program’s structured yet adaptable approach has proven effective in addressing the needs of struggling learners across multiple grade levels.