UC Riverside

Approximately 60% of classroom students have insufficient math skills. Within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, teachers can implement core differentiation strategies targeted at improving math skills of an entire class of students. Differentiation programs are developed in order to target academic skills of groups of students with varying levels of math proficiency. Considering the diverse levels of math proficiency in typical elementary classrooms, core enrichment programs can be highly effective in improving math skills of these students. However, it is important that teachers implement core differentiation programs that are evidence-based. Past research has supported the use of the PALS-Math differentiation program to improve math skills. The current analysis evaluated the effectiveness of the PALS-Math program using a modified pairing procedure. However, the current analysis found that implementing the PALS-Math differentiation program was not effective at improving the overall math skills of students when compared to the control group. Implications and limitations of the current study will be discussed.