Making math concepts understandable is a challenge--one that is more complex when a classroom includes students with learning difficulties. With this highly practical resource, teachers will have just what they need to teach a critical content area with confidence: research-based strategies that really work with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, or mild cognitive disabilities. This urgently needed guidebook helps educators: understand why some students struggle; review the Big Ideas of math with a useful primer on major NCTM-endorsed mathematical concepts and processes; directly address students' learning barriers with lesson plans, strategies, and photocopiable forms; and check their own strengths and needs with a thought-provoking questionnaire on their current teaching practices. With this timely book--filled with invaluable strategies adaptable for grades K-12--educators will know just what to teach and how to teach it to students with learning difficulties. Following About the Authors and Acknowledgments, this book is divided into four parts. Part I, How This Book Can Help Teachers and Their Students, presents: (1) Introduction; and (2) Universal Features of Meaningful Mathematics Instruction for Struggling Learners. Part II, Understanding and Teaching the Big Ideas in Mathematics, continues with: (3) The Big Ideas in Mathematics and Why They Are Important; and (4) The Importance of Valuing Mathematics and Mathematics Instruction for Struggling Learners. Part III, Barriers and Gateways to Meaningful Mathematics Instruction, contains: (5) Common Learning Characteristics that Make Mathematics Difficult for Struggling Learners; (6) Curriculum Barriers to Learning Mathematics; and (7) How Struggling Learners Can Learn Mathematics. Part IV, Assessment and Teaching Strategies for Making Mathematics Meaningful, concludes with: (8) Making Instructional Decisions: Determining What and How to Teach; (9) Teaching for Initial Understanding: Using Effective Instructional Practices; (10) Building Proficiency: Using Effective Student Practice Strategies; (11) Planning Effective Mathematics Instruction in a Variety of Educational Environments; and (12) Using Technology to Promote Access to MathematicsR. The following are appended: (1) Blank Forms and Charts; and (2) Sample Mathematics Dynamic Assessment Charts and Lesson Plans. An index is included.