What in the world is dyscalculia?

Prediction and Dyscalculia Support

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:42:47 GMT

Why is prediction so important for students with dyscalculia? How can we quickly and easily support predictive skills in math class? Dr. Wall discusses this and more in this episode of What in the World is Dyscalculia.

How do you know if you have dyscalculia?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:49:23 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses a recent epiphany-- she has dyscalculia! Learn why it took her so long to find out, and what she thought about her math abilities. This episode is dedicated to all the adults who never knew there was a reason for their struggles.

Explore or Be Direct?

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:03:08 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses her thoughts on exploratory, direct, or other teaching methods.

Executive Function

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:18:36 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses executive function: What is it, what can we do about it, what actually helps, and how does it impact dyscalculia? Honora summarizes a 2015 meta analysis article by Diamond & Ling.

Self-advocacy Pros and Cons

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:15:22 GMT

Dr. Wall has some issues with self-advocacy. Learn about the pros and cons of self-advocacy in this fiery episode, and learn more about dyscalculia at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org today.

3 Reasons Why Calculators and Written Work Count

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:20:48 GMT

Why should you keep using calculators, multiplication lists, and number lines? Why should you insist on written work? Dr. Wall discusses the justification for these crucial ideas: Evidence of thinking, stronger neural pathways, and a habit of precision and accuracy. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org.

Learning Math by Das & Janzen

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:13:59 GMT

Dr. Wall summarizes two domains and four key features of learning math. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org, or read the article "Learning Math" by researchers Das & Janzen (2004). Excellent tips for classroom teachers!

Why is it so hard to get accommodations?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:19:54 GMT

Getting support for dyscalculia shouldn't be so hard.

The Goldilocks Issue and Dyscalculia

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 23:03:39 GMT

Support for dyscalculia: what happens when it's too much, too little, or just not quite right? Learn more at www.thedtri.org or www.educalclearning.com

Mental Number Lines and Baby Chicks

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:01:38 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses a new research study from the University of Padua, regarding the natural development of the mental number line. What are the implications for classroom teachers? Find out more at www.thedtri.org and www.educalclearning.com.

Understanding Research: Does Making Your Bed Earn More Money?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:27:28 GMT

Does making your bed help you make more money? Dr. Wall discusses the important questions we need to ask when we apply research studies. Learn more at www.thedtri.org.

Common Strategies for Dyscalculia

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:56:42 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses a research study conducted by Dr. Katie Lewis in Washington state. The study analyzes common strategies that were the key to success for a student, and could be game changers for yours! Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org .

Clash of the Titans: ID vs Cognitive Load

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:53:31 GMT

Dr. Wall describes the benefits and serious drawbacks of Instructional Design best practices and cognitive load, as it can overwhelm people with dyscalculia. Learn what goes wrong and how to help!

Become a Certified Dyscalculia Specialist today at www.educalclearning.com, or enroll in dyscalculia-specific math classes at www.thedtri.org.

Two Research Articles: Meta Analysis

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:17:53 GMT

Dr. Wall highlights key findings from two meta analysis research articles about dyscalculia.

Vouchers and Services for Dyscalculia

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:48:43 GMT

Are vouchers the answer to getting services for dyscalculia? Not necessarily. How can parents find the right services for their children, or themselves? Dr. Wall gives you specific questions to ask in this episode. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org.

2025 Goals and Themes

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:19:08 GMT

Dr. Wall sets the tone for 2025, naming the theme of her work (spoiler alert: it isn't math!) and highlighting upcoming topics for the new year. What do you want to know about dyscalculia? Contact Dr. Wall at honora@educalclearning.com or honora@thedtri.org

Half-fraction Advantage

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:42:23 GMT

What is the half-fraction advantage? Dr. Wall summarizes three key findings from a research study conducted by Dr. Mazzocco and others. You need to hear this!

Academically Challenging Goals

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:06:31 GMT

Are academically challenging goals appropriate for students with dyscalculia? YES! Find out why, and how to implement them, in this episode.

Writing Great IEP & 504 Goals

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:49:36 GMT

Dr. Wall shares exciting, easy, and impactful IEP or 504 goals in this episode. She shares information from David Bateman and Dr. Lisa Goran, delivered at the 2024 CASE conference. Don't miss this one!

Dr. Wall's Unpopular Opinion

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:32:34 GMT

Dr. Wall has an unpopular opinion about math.... students don't have to like it! How can she say such a thing? Find out in this episode!

A Tale of Two 504 Meetings

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:49:13 GMT

Same school, same grade level, same team.... very different 504 meetings! Dr. Wall highlights an important, and far too common, issue in getting the right support for dyscalculia. Become a Certified Dyscalculia Specialist today at www.educalclearning.com!

Using Alternative Assessments

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:10:20 GMT

Using alternative assessments lets students show their knowledge, beyond just paper-and-pencil or computer programs. You might be using a lot of these already, but are you grading them? Listen to Dr. Wall talk about alternative assessments and the importance of putting them in the gradebook!

Instruction for Dyscalculia: The Missing Piece

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:13:18 GMT

IEPs require a different form of instruction (504 plans do not). But what does that mean for students with dyscalculia? In this episode, Dr. Wall dives deep into dyscalculia-specific instruction, how to do it, and why it helps. Learn more at www.thedtri.org or www.educalclearning.com.

High School TIps for Dyscalculia

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:47:59 GMT

Dr. Wall and Katie Walker discuss common issues, and some great tips!, for high school students with dyscalculia. Don't miss it!

Elementary Tips for Dyscalculia

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 14:24:33 GMT

Dr. Wall and Katie Walker discuss the elementary education challenges for people with dyscalculia.

Upper Level Math and Dyscalculia

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:56:02 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses the true trials and tribulations of upper level math for people with the math learning disorder, dyscalculia. Visit www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org for more information.

Two Journeys to Dyscalculia Expert

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:19:05 GMT

Dr. Wall and Katie Walker share their journeys to becoming dyscalculia experts. Don't miss this one!

Trends in Evaluations

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:00:24 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses some unsettling trends in evaluations and the importance of using trained, qualified, appropriate professionals for different types of evaluations. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org.

Difficult Questions

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:15:53 GMT

Students with dyscalculia (and other types of neurodivergence) ask the most interesting-- and difficult-- questions! Hear how Dr. Wall stumbled to answer a student's question and what teachers can do in this situation. Learn more and become a Certified Dyscalculia Specialist at www.educalclearning.com

Adaptive Testing

Sun, 19 May 2024 16:33:02 GMT

What is adaptive testing? Is it reliable or valid? Is it a good tool for assessing math abilities? Dr. Wall has thoughts!

Elementary Math and Problem Solving

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:42:21 GMT

There's a big problem in elementary math, and its name is Algebra! Dr. Wall discusses why early math should focus on true problem solving, using appropriate topics and methods. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com.

Math Standards and Memorization

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 23:29:58 GMT

Math standards and memorization... how do they affect students with dyscalculia? Dr. Wall analyzes the connection and talks about the myth of basic facts importance in this episode. Learn more and become a Certified Dyscalculia Specialist at www.educalclearning.com.

Are you prepared to help?

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 15:07:17 GMT

At least 8% of your students already have dyscalculia. The question is, are you prepared to help them?

The Strangest Accommodation

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:54:44 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses the strangest dyscalculia accommodation yet! Learn which accommodations are best for students at different grade levels, and why they are both effective and necessary. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org.

Number Orientation: Is it part of dyscalculia?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:20:39 GMT

Number Orientation: Is it part of dyscalculia? Dr. Wall discusses number orientation, common signs of dyscalculia, and the pragmatic use of interventions for people with dyscalculia. Visit www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org for more information.

My Biggest Frustration with Dyscalculia!

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:00:48 GMT

Dr. Wall talks about the biggest frustration of working with people who have dyscalculia-- it may surprise you! Learn more at www.educalclearning.com or www.thedtri.org and share this episode with a teacher, tutor, or administrator who needs to hear it.

Dyscalculia, Reading, and Math

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 15:17:29 GMT

Dyscalculia is NOT the "numbers dyslexia"! Math and reading have different origin stories, and need different strategies, interventions, and accommodations. Dr. Wall highlights the symptoms of dyscalculia and summarizes research by Shalev & Gross-Tsur; find the article at www.thedtri.org and visit www.educalclearning.com today.

RTI Approaches Across States

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 19:19:15 GMT

Does your state use RTI, MTSS, or a different approach? How do you know, and what does it all mean? Find out in this episode, and learn more at www.thedtri.org or www.educalclearning.com.

Ebeneezer or Fezziwig?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:51:42 GMT

Are you an Ebeneezer educator, or a Fezziwig? Find out how to let a little love into your heart-- and your accommodations-- and watch the gifts come back to you! Learn more about accommodations and interventions for dyscalculia at thedtri.org or educalclearning.com and find Dr. Wall on social media.

#dyscalculia #mathteacher #mathlearningdisability

Anxiety and Dyscalculia

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:39:56 GMT

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can occur at the same time as dyscalculia, or it can be a stand-alone condition. Anxiety (less severe or chronic than GAD) can develop over years of living with dyscalculia and not getting the right help. Dr. Wall explores the intersection of GAD and dyscalculia in this episode. Learn more at educalclearning.com and join our Facebook group, Teacher's Dyscalculia Support Group!

Asking the Right Calculator Questions

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:26:51 GMT

If you're not getting the answers you need, ask better questions! In this episode, Dr. Wall talks about the best way to use a calculator in both lower and higher level math classes. Learn more or book your teacher training workshop at www.educalclearning.com.

Assessment Accommodations: No Mixed Topics!

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:32:53 GMT

Why is it important to separate topics on assessments? Too many topics overwhelm cognitive load, zap mental energy, and give teachers bad data about student mastery. Find out why and what do differently in this episode of What in the World is Dyscalculia. Learn more at www.educalclearning.com and email Dr. Wall at honora@educalclearning.com.

Text and Tone of Voice

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 19:24:51 GMT

Dr. Wall messed up this week; she forgot that tone of voice doesn't come through when typing an online comment! In this episode, hear how she recovered from this slip up, and what other questions it led her to ask: Can parents be angry when asking for help for their child? What kind of real-world examples are most useful for parents who need to educate their school about dyscalculia?

2023 School Year

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 18:06:36 GMT

There's a lot to be excited about this school year! Listen to Dr. Wall's updates on the DTRI (www.thedtri.org), brand-new online math classes for people with dyscalculia (www.educalclearning.com), and a great, free screener developed by Touch Math (https://dysctest.com). Let's get excited!

Dyscalculia: Core Deficit? Butterworth, Varma, Laurillard

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:44:11 GMT

Some researchers feel dyscalculia comes from a "core deficit" similar to dyslexia. What does that mean? Listen as Dr. Wall discusses findings from Drs. Butterworth, Varma, and Laurillard. Read the full article at www.thedtri.org and learn more about helping students with dyscalculia at www.educalclearning.com.

Dyscalculia, Magnitude, and Value

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:32:29 GMT

What do magnitude and value mean in terms of learning math? How does flexible thinking relate to math achievement? And what does all this mean for people with dyscalculia? Find out in this episode. Hosted by Dr. Wall at edcalclearning.com or thedtri.org.

Precision

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:14 GMT

Precision > Fluency, every time. Let go of the teaching methods that hold your students back and shift your focus to precision instead, Find out how and why in this episode!

A Shift in Focus

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:48:54 GMT

Let's remove feelings of shame from our conversations about math! Also, learn about our new non-profit venture, the Dyscalculia Training & Research Institute (www.thedtri.org). Get involved in dyscalculia awareness!

Season 2: Venus Flytrap

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:16:29 GMT

Dyscalculia has an official plant mascot: the Venus flytrap!

Deficit Model vs Discrepancy Model

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:03:29 GMT

What is a deficit model? Is it bad? Is it useful? How can a teacher, administrator, or parent know the difference between a deficit model, a discrepancy model, or an intervention program? Find out in this episode.

From failure to NJHS

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 15:26:11 GMT

This is a success story about a student who went from failing math class to being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society! Find out how we did it in this episode. Email your episode requests to honora@educalclearning.com and visit https://www.educalclearning.com/ to become a Certified Dyscalculia Specialist. today.

Test Accommodations for Dyscalculia

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:36:01 GMT

This episode discusses Dr. Wall's research into using increased blank space as a test accommodation for students with dyscalculia. Find out how she used a quantitative study to look into the use of increased blank space. Her results, plus implications for future research, are included. Have an idea for a future episode? Email honora@educalclearning.com.

My First Math Student

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:50:20 GMT

Dr. Wall discusses her first math student, and the lessons she learned in helping this person find success in math. Please send your comments or ideas for future episodes to honora@educalclearning.com, and visit www.educalclearning.com to learn about dyscalculia. PS-- EduCalc Learning's dyscalculia specialist certification program is live! Sign up and get certified today.

The Problem with Basic Facts

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 19:53:09 GMT

How long should you drill basic facts? For students with dyscalculia, the answer is never again! Stop drilling basic facts. Find out why, and what to do instead, in this episode. Share your comments with honora@educalclearning.com.

Teacher to Teacher

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 05:00:48 GMT

In this episode, host Honora Wall has a bone to pick... and some good advice for teachers to modernize their work, reflect on their personal goals for their students, and to respect their profession by actively engaging in modernizing their approach to assigned and assessed work.

Middle School Math

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:00:56 GMT

Middle school math is a crucial time for students with dyscalculia. The math learning disability impacts middle school math in key areas. Why is graphing so difficult? Why are variables so confusing? How does dyscalculia affect mastery of formulas and procedures? Should students with dyscalculia take Algebra in middle school? This episode answers these questions, plus touches on the importance of the social-emotional experience of middle school students who struggle with math.

Accommodations: Calculators or Times Tables List

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:01:03 GMT

Using a calculator for all assignments is an appropriate accommodation for students with dyscalculia-- but is often pushed back by elementary teachers. Why should students use calculators? What can they use instead? Why is this an appropriate accommodation? Find out in this episode.

Success Story: Betty

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:00:09 GMT

Betty and I met when she left school due to her dyslexia and dyscalculia-- as a 6th grader! She had already decided that she could not, would not be able to do math. I'm happy to say that wasn't true and Betty is back in a traditional classroom today, doing very well. Hear about how Betty and I found her access point for math success in this podcast.

Basic facts and calculator use

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:33:06 GMT

Should students use a calculator in math class? YES. Isn't that cheating? NO! Don't people have to memorize their times tables to pass math class? No, no, no. Dyscalculia causes a loss of math information over time. Find out why using calculators, times tables lists, or 1 to 100 charts are appropriate accommodations for students with dyscalculia. Contact honora@educalclearning.com for the research behind these claims, and visit www.educalclearning.com for more tips to support people with dyscalculia. Teachers, we offer training, both online and in person. Schedule yours today!

Accommodations: Extended Time

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 22:11:55 GMT

Accommodations are key to success for students with Specific Learning Disorders, especially dyscalculia. However, not all accommodations offer equal benefits! In this episode, learn about an effective, easy, successful way to use extended time.

Dyscalculia: The Adult Experience

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:36:15 GMT

Dyscalculia is a lifelong learning disorder that impacts earning potential, self-confidence, and daily life for many adults. But it doesn't have to! Learn more about the adult experience of dyscalculia in this episode.

The Dyscalculia Trifecta: Time, Money, Place Value

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:18:34 GMT

Let's talk about The Dyscalculia Trifecta: Time, Money, and Place Value. These topics make up the majority of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade math work, and they are especially problematic for people with dyscalculia. What can be done to help? Find out in this episode.

The Dyscalculia Diagnosis

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 23:08:37 GMT

How can you get a diagnosis for dyscalculia? Where can you get one? And why is it so hard! In this episode, we talk about the different ways dyscalculia can be diagnosed, and which ones you are likely to get. Enjoy.

What in the world is dyscalculia?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 12:47:03 GMT

In this introductory episode, we take a Big Picture view of the Specific Learning Disorder, dyscalculia. What is it? Why should we talk about it? What will this podcast cover? Find out here.