Intervention
A research-based mathematics intervention program
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math has been successfully utilized as a research-based mathematics intervention program designed to improve the mathematics achievement of students who are struggling with math or who require additional academic support. DreamBox Learning’s web-based program delivers Kindergarten to 2nd grade math lessons using adaptive and differentiated instruction within a curriculum that develops computational fluency, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving ability. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math content is aligned with the NCTM (National Council for Teachers of Mathematics) Focal Points for Number and Operations, and Algebra.
DreamBox may be purchased using IDEA funding for Early Intervening Services or with Recovery Education Stimulus Funds for a school-wide or targeted Response to Intervention (RTI) program. Learn more
An individualized learning experience based on student progress and need
The DreamBox program utilizes continuous assessment and adaptation to provide individualized instruction and an appropriate level of difficulty for each student.
DreamBox Learning’s unique lesson sequencing technology, developed by our academic experts and software engineers, allows us to maximize opportunities of student learning by providing the most appropriate lesson choices from different areas of the curriculum. DreamBox individualizes every aspect of a student’s experience based on their level of proficiency so students in need of intervention are provided with lessons, hints, levels of difficulty, pacing, sequencing and instructional tools that are adapted to their individual level.
A Teacher Dashboard for real-time progress monitoring
DreamBox Learning’s Teacher Dashboard provides progress-monitoring data with real-time reporting to teachers on individual students’ academic progress, and information on students that may be struggling with specific concepts and lessons and require one-on-one assistance. In addition, DreamBox Learning has been proven to effectively teach math and improve math achievement scores.
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math for Response to Intervention (RTI)
DreamBox Learning has been used as part of a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework in schools across the country as part of early intervening services to improve the mathematics achievement of all students or to help students who need additional academic support to succeed in general education.Teachers can use DreamBox Learning K-2 Math at all tiers of the Response to Intervention Model
- Tier 1 (primary prevention/classroom intervention, or universal, i.e., school-wide): DreamBox Learning K-2 Math can be used at Tier 1 level as a research-based mathematics intervention program designed to improve the mathematics achievement of all students. Teachers can use DreamBox Learning on classroom computers as a “center” choice or can take students to the computer lab to use DreamBox. The DreamBox Learning K-2 math program utilizes student performance, based on data collected in placement lessons, to provide needs-based instruction. As a result, students receive instruction focused on the basic foundational concepts they need, along with appropriate practice for mastery. Teachers are able to log on to the Teacher Dashboard to view individual student academic progress and are alerted to students who may be struggling with specific concepts and lessons and require one-on-one assistance or may require additional intervention.
- Tier 2 (secondary prevention, targeted or strategic intervention): At Tier 2, students who are identified as being at-risk of experiencing problems may use DreamBox Learning K-2 Math as part of supplemental or small-group interventions. For example, Tier 2 intervention students, who need support beyond classroom interventions, might play DreamBox daily for 20 minutes as part of a smaller group of students with a teacher.
- Tier 3 (intensive intervention): At Tier 3, students who receive one-on-one intervention, might use DreamBox once or twice a week with their intervention teacher in addition to other math recovery interventions. Math Intervention Teachers have reported that the virtual manipulatives in DreamBox and the physical manipulatives utilized by teachers during one-on-one interventions complement each other nicely. DreamBox makes math lessons fun and interactive so students build confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. Teachers report that Tier 3 intervention students are easily engaged in mathematics through their use of DreamBox and often make connections between manipulatives presented during interventions and the DreamBox Learning program.
This is innovative, engaging and meaningful math that I look forward to using again.
Read what teachers say about using DreamBox for intervention
“I just completed a four week summer school course for students struggling in mathematics. The students used DreamBox for about 20 minutes each day. They looked forward to using the program and always begged for more time. They were so proud of their work and displayed their certificates in the hallway. It was great for me to be able to offer a program that was tailored to the student’s needs. In addition, DreamBox utilizes models such as the function box, math racks, and number line. We used these same models in classroom instruction, so the program complemented our daily activities very well. This is not an average computer math game. This is innovative, engaging and meaningful math that I look forward to using again.”
—Emilie Grimi, Math Specialist Parkway School District“I’m the math consultant for an urban district with a high poverty, multicultural population. Our school district just completed a trial of DreamBox with huge success. Within an intervention framework I have used DreamBox as part of intensive intervention with a student on a one-on-one basis. My student showed greater success with his mathematics once we began to use DreamBox. He was easily engaged in the mathematics through DreamBox even though I often struggled to keep his attention. One of the best features of DreamBox is that as my intervention student improved, DreamBox adjusted to his level. DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is fantastic! Our teachers and students are excited about the program.”
—Francine Roy, Ph.D., Mathematics Education Consulting, Fall River Public Schools“I use DreamBox Learning in my classroom with my K-3 struggling students. These students have been identified as struggling or below grade level in the area of math. The activities that DreamBox provides to students are very similar to the activities I do in my instruction and give my students further practice with these essential skills. DreamBox is a good investment for my students!”
—Carrie Gary, Mathematics Intervention Teacher, Shepherdsville Elementary“DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is unique in the way it allows students to engage in rigorous quantitative reasoning to gain a profound understanding of number. Perceptual support is provided as necessary, but as a student advances, DreamBox requires the internalization of structured quantities by flashing dot frames and bead racks. Students will begin to use figurative counting/structuring schemes and eventually advance to advanced abstract mental computation and fluent concepts of equality with deep understanding and automaticity, including the ability to partition and combine number. DreamBox Learning helps students develop essential foundations for proportional reasoning and algebraic thinking.”
—Administrator, Kentucky“I am very impressed with the DreamBox K-2 math program because it stresses and supports numeracy concepts needed for success in the Primary program. Along with supporting numeracy concepts, it is very user friendly and that is vitally important when every minute counts! DreamBox utilizes the Tenframe and Mathrack, enabling my students to begin combining and partitioning numbers, which is a vital step in order to move from a unitary to composite way of thinking!”
—Beth Miracle Meiman, Mathematics Intervention Teacher, Eastern ElementaryWant to learn more?
Learn more about funding for DreamBox Learning and Response to Intervention
