Response to Specific Training for Students With Different Levels of Mathematical Difficulties

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of specific, individualized training for students with different levels of mathematical difficulties. Fifty-four students, with either severe or mild math difficulties, were assigned to individualized training or to a control condition. Ten students with severe math difficulties (“dyscalculia”) and 17 with mild math difficulties in the individualized training conditions were trained to improve their accuracy and fluency in math, compared to 9 students with severe math difficulties and 18 with mild math difficulties that were in the general training group (control condition). Students in the individualized training condition (both with dyscalculia and with mild math difficulties) outperformed the control groups after the training and at a later follow-up in almost all math components. Overall, this study supports the feasibility of treating both severe and mild mathematical accuracy and fluency difficulties with specific, customized training.