Using Measures of Number Sense to Screen for Difficulties in Mathematics: Preliminary Findings

As recent research efforts have focused on preventing reading difficulties and enhancing the effectiveness of special education services for students with reading problems, similar efforts in mathematics have not been realized. This article describes the development and preliminary field testing of a set of measures designed to screen students in kindergarten and first grade to identify those at risk for potential mathematics difficulties. Evidence-based steps to streamline the screening process are described, and plans for testing the predictive validity of the measures are outlined.