Supporting Math Learning of Students with Behavioral and Academic Challenges: Case Study of a Pre-Service Teacher

This case study presents findings of approaches that one pre-service teacher (PST) used during practicum teaching when providing instruction for a mathematics unit with three fourth-grade students who had behavioral and/or academic challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the planning, reflections, and decision-making of this unique PST who was able successfully to engage students as they learned about and “proved their thinking” about properties of geometric shapes. The study examined how her approaches aligned with (a) high-leverage practices for students with exceptionalities and (b) classroom conditions that promote an environment for positive student behaviors. The results suggested that this PST was able to focus on the social context of teaching—understanding her students and building a discursive community of learners—to aid students in learning the math concepts. Teacher educators can use this case to help PSTs understand the application of high-leverage practices in the classroom.