Welcome to this LD@school online learning module for educators!

This module provides an overview of the Concrete–Representational–Abstract (CRA) approach to mathematics instruction, as well as practical classroom applications of this strategy to help you bring CRA to life in your own math teaching practice. This module is targeted at educators in the elementary grades; however, the CRA approach can also be beneficial when adapted for students at the secondary level.

The menu on the left hand side of this screen displays the outline of this module, which should take approximately 45 - 60 minutes to complete. To begin the module, you will complete a self-assessment to gauge your current knowledge of this topic. Then, the body of the module will provide you with information, strategies, and resources to help you support your students. To conclude, you will complete a final self-assessment to consolidate your learning.

Learning goals

  • Understand LDs in math and how they may present in the classroom
  • Identify the components of the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) approach to teaching mathematics in the elementary grades
  • Understand how to implement each stage of the CRA approach using explicit instruction and appropriate accommodations to best support students with LDs

Upon completion, it is our hope that you will apply what you learn in this module to your daily practice to help support the needs of students with LDs, as well as all your other students.