In working with schools over the past couple of years I see a lot of words used interchangeably that do not really mean the same thing: words like reteaching, remediation, intervention, etc. These words are not synonyms and their application in classrooms is quite different.

Reteaching

Reteaching is a part of high quality Tier 1 instruction. This occurs when a student is having difficulty understanding or applying components of a grade level standard. For example, a first grade class is working on the math standard about telling time to the hour and half hour. After a brief but engaging whole group lesson with a Judy clock, a group of students still does not understand how the hands on a clock work. A teacher may pull a small group of students to reteach the concept in another way, perhaps with the use of a Rock and Learn video, a Study Jams song whose lyrics explain the concept, with a game, or by giving students their own manipulative clocks. Reteaching is often done in small groups and is very flexible, as a student may comprehend one standard but struggle with another. A formative assessment or even teacher observation may indicate that a student needs to be retaught.

Remediation

Remediation occurs at Tier 2 and/or 3 within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This occurs IN ADDITION to Tier 1 instruction. The purpose is to remediate a skill deficit. Skill deficits can be identified using a screener and/or diagnostic assessment. Once a skill deficit is identified using an appropriate assessment, the priority educational need can be identified - this means, what are we prioritizing? It is not uncommon for struggling students to have several if not many skill deficits. It is not effective to address them all, so we have to prioritize foundational skills. Once that priority has been established, an intervention program or a research and/or evidence-based strategy can be used to remediate. Interventions should be progress monitored regularly so that we know when a skill has been mastered and the next can be addressed. Learn more about the priority educational need and progress monitoring in math in this blog post.

Key Takeaways

It is absolutely possible to have a student who needs both reteach and remediation. In elementary schools the math block can be structured to allow time for whole group instruction, reteach in small group and remediation in small group. In secondary, remediation may occur in an Intensive Math class with a separate course code.

If you need support with structuring the math block to meet student needs or applying these concepts of reteach and remediation with the instructional materials and resources available in your school or district, we can help. Schedule your free consultation.