Impact Struggling Students with TouchMath’s Proven Multisensory Curriculum
Why Illinois Special Educators Choose TouchMath
For over 50 years, TouchMath has provided systematic and explicit multisensory math instruction grounded in the Science of Mathematics to measurably accelerate student achievement. TouchMath is an evidence-based, comprehensive program designed to support students with math learning challenges like dyscalculia and those struggling with foundational math.
TouchMath Meets What Works Clearinghouse Requirements
What Works Clearinghouse’s Educator Practice Guide, Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades, outlines six best practices which have the strongest evidence of improving outcomes for students. TouchMath has been assisting teachers with implenting these practices for over 50 years!
| WWC Best Practice | How TouchMath Aligns |
|---|---|
| 1. Systematic Instruction | TouchMath's curriculum is intentionally designed to build knowledge incrementally, with carefully sequenced lessons that connect learning day-to-day. Our program includes regular review of previously learned content, uses accessible numbers when introducing new concepts, and provides immediate, supportive feedback to address any misunderstandings. |
| 2. Mathematical Language | Our program teaches precise mathematical vocabulary and supports students in effectively communicating their understanding. TouchMath materials include student-friendly definitions, concrete representations to illustrate mathematical terms, and frameworks that help students provide clear verbal and written explanations. |
| 3. Representations | TouchMath is famous for our unique proprietary manipulatives like our TouchPoints—a concrete representation that makes numbers tangible for students. Our curriculum strategically connects concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract representations, giving students multiple pathways to understand mathematical concepts. These representations serve as "thinking tools" that Illinois students can use to visualize and solve problems independently, building deeper conceptual understanding. |
| 4. Number Lines | Our program helps students visualize numerical relationships and operations with supports like number lines. You can access our free TouchMath Number Line at numberline.mytouchmath.com here. This builds students' understanding of magnitude, helps them compare numbers, and sets the foundation for advanced mathematics. |
| 5. Word Problems | TouchMath provides deliberate instruction on word problems that helps students identify problem types, apply appropriate solution methods, and understand mathematical vocabulary. Our curriculum systematically introduces different problem structures and teaches students to visualize scenarios using representations—building their capacity to apply mathematical ideas in real-world contexts. |
| 6. Timed Activities | Our program strategically incorporates brief, focused activities to build fluency with basic facts and critical mathematical processes. These activities are designed to help students develop automatic retrieval skills, which frees up mental energy for tackling more complex mathematical tasks. |
TouchMath’s Comprehensive Program Includes:
- Validated screener endorsed by the National Center on Intensive Intervention
- Reported at-risk areas in early numeracy and dyscalculia alerts
- Hands-on manipulatives
- Actionable data to track intervention effectiveness and inform instructional decisions
Let’s chat about how TouchMath delivers the tools to helps all students build strong mathematical foundations!
Benefits of TouchMath
Teacher-Led Instruction
Teacher-led instruction empowers educators to guide students through complex concepts with clarity, personalized support, and multisensory instruction.
Hands-On Manipulatives
TouchMath core manipulatives enhance learning through tactile engagement, aligning student activity sheets with intervention components.
Aligned to Illinois Learning Standards
All TouchMath resources are aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, providing educators and students with a cohesive and integrated learning experience.
Teacher Professional Development
The TouchMath Professional Development team partners with districts to create learning plans and delivers customized support to meet your specific goals and objectives.
