West Fargo Public Schools
West Fargo, North Dakota
Glance into Mrs. Gabby Zilmer’s math class at Liberty Middle School in West Fargo, North Dakota, and it may appear that the twelve students gathered there greatly resemble each other. But linger a moment and you’ll learn more. One student is building confidence with basic multiplication facts; another is just beginning to make sense of double-digit addition; a third arrived speaking limited English and is working through both a language barrier and a math gap at the same time. This is Math Structuring class, and ironically, the one common denominator these students share is that they all need something different.
Math Structuring serves a varied mix of students grades 6 through 8, which may include students with IEPs, 504s, and English Language Learners, as well as general education students who need extra support. All are performing below grade level, and it’s Zilmer’s job to fill in foundational gaps in math learning.
More Than Math
Zilmer has been the math interventionist at Liberty Middle School for six years. Although the days can be challenging, the work is incredibly rewarding. Within moments of speaking with her, you understand that she is a dedicated, hardworking teacher who greatly values the relationships forged with her students. “At some point or another, all my students have hated math. So, the relationships we form are important.” Zilmer works diligently to build a safe environment for the students, so they have the opportunity to learn by asking questions and making mistakes.
“Sometimes a kid is really down on themselves, so I’ll say, ‘It’s okay, let’s take a break. We can pick it up again tomorrow,’” she said.
“And they come back and I witness their ‘aha’ moments and they could understand what they couldn’t before. I see the pride they have when they graduate to the next math level, Pathway to Core class. It is also rewarding to see them helping other students understand concepts. It’s amazing.”
Every Student, Their Own Starting Line
Zilmer’s instruction looks a little different each day. She may have it structured with small group work, whole group skill teaching, and games. However, one constant is that the first ten minutes of every class are reserved for DreamBox Math. “When the students come into the classroom, there may be stuff they’re carrying in, like dealing with friendships or other classes. So DreamBox Math serves as a mindset switch, to get them into math mentality,” she said.
Because her students operate at such vastly different levels, DreamBox Math is a highly intentional, effective use of time. In order to ensure efficiency, and that no one wastes a minute, Zilmer begins each year with students taking Launchpad, an adaptive baseline assessment in DreamBox Math. This assessment accurately places every student on an individualized path on the skills that they need to work on.
A Personalized Path for Every Student
After students complete Launchpad, they’re set on individualized learning journeys that hit the skills they specifically need (and could be wildly different than the student sitting next to them). DreamBox Math adapts in real time, ensuring concepts are mastered before moving on. “This is essential because of the way math skills build upon one another,” said Zilmer.
The data reports produced by DreamBox Math are also powerful because they provide insight at every level, from overall progress to the specific skills students are developing and the thinking behind their learning. That visibility makes them especially valuable for parent communication. “I’m able to pull up reports and show families how their child has grown in specific skills,” she said.
The Right Kind of Support
For Zilmer and her students at Liberty Middle School, DreamBox Math is more than a digital tool. It’s a partner with the ability to reach intervention students exactly where they are, quietly and effectively managing the differentiation they need.
Fast Facts about West Fargo Public Schools
District Details
- 29 facilities serving 13,434 learners
- Partnered with DreamBox Math since 2016
3 Problems DreamBox Math Solves in this Story
1. A wide range of student needs in one classroom. DreamBox Math lets interventionist Gabby Zilmer serve students who “all need something different” without needing different lesson plans.
2. Pinpointing where each student is and pacing to mastery. The DreamBox Math assessment, Launchpad, places each student precisely on the skills they need, then adapts in real time so no one moves forward until a concept is mastered.
3. Limited teacher time and bandwidth. DreamBox Math acts as “another teacher in the room,” automatically differentiating instruction so Zilmer can meet every student where they are without being stretched too thin.
