Screening for Characteristics of Dyscalculia: Identifying Unconventional Fraction Understandings

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Humanizing Mathematics Education for Students With Dis/Abilities

Abstract

Researchers intending to identify the unique characteristics of dyscalculia rely upon the problematic and imprecise proxy of low mathematics achievement. Although detailed case studies of adults with dyscalculia have offered insight into its characteristics, we do not yet know if these characteristics are unique to dyscalculia and could be used to screen younger students for these understandings. In this study we designed a group-administered written assessment based on the unconventional understandings found in adults with dyscalculia to investigate whether these understandings are atypical. We then recruited students with unconventional understandings to evaluate whether these students also met stringent clinical dyscalculia criteria. These studies provide a proof-of-concept for designing dyscalculia screeners based on the characteristics identified in adults with dyscalculia.

Authors

• Katherine Lewis, University of Washington - Seattle

• Sarah Arvey Tov, University of Washington - Seattle

• Grace Thompson, University of Washington