Topics: Assessments Mathematics

Unlocking Student Potential: Why Math Catalyst Can Spark Change in Math Classrooms

Annette Shakinovsky

by Annette Shakinovsky

August 21, 2025
Unlocking Student Potential: Why Math Catalyst Can Spark Change in Math Classrooms

every child is capable of greatness.

Posted in: Aha! Blog > Eureka Math Blog > Assessments Mathematics > Unlocking Student Potential: Why Math Catalyst Can Spark Change in Math Classrooms

As a former teacher and administrator, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it is to meet every learner where they are. I’ve sat beside students who desperately needed extra time to grasp a concept, and I’ve watched others lose interest because they weren’t being stretched enough. These moments reinforced for me that without intentional, flexible support, students can miss the chance to reach their full potential.

In today’s classrooms, math instruction isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about developing confident, flexible thinkers who can reason, problem-solve, and persevere. But achieving a balance between supporting learners who need additional support while challenging students who have already mastered specific concepts requires more than good intentions; it demands intentional strategies and the right tools.

As the school year begins and you’ve identified where students need additional support, how can you tailor instruction so every student, whether they need remediation or enrichment, has the opportunity to grow? Math Catalyst offers a powerful solution. Designed to meet students where they are, it transforms math learning from a procedural exercise into a journey of curiosity, understanding, and growth.

Targeted Support for Students

Math Catalyst includes multilevel prevention and acceleration to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. While some students will focus on extension and spiral review aligned to their Tier 1 instruction, teachers have mini lessons to work with students who need Tier 2 and Tier 3 support with targeted, scaffolded instruction.

  • Concept Mini Lessons are 10–15 minutes long, so they can be used during a supplemental math block.
  • Practice and Application problems keep students at small group stations learning and growing while others are receiving needed direct instruction. This includes independent practice, partner practice, games, & tasks.

This targeted approach means instructional minutes are used where they have the greatest impact, and teachers can meet the needs of all learners.

Professional Growth for Teachers

Even the most skilled math teachers can benefit from high-quality instructional tools that save planning time and enhance engagement. Math Catalyst integrates the following:

  • Educative materials for teachers that align with Eureka Math and Eureka Math2 Tier 1 instruction.
  • Clear lesson structures that reduce prep time
  • Built-in strategies for differentiating instruction without watering down rigor
  • Professional learning supports that strengthen teacher confidence in facilitating deep mathematical discussions

When teachers feel equipped, their instruction becomes more impactful, and students benefit immediately.

Measurable Gains in Math Achievement

As educators, we need programs that deliver results, not just promises. Math Catalyst is built with progress monitoring tools that allow you to track growth over time. This means that

  • you can see exactly how interventions are working;
  • data can guide instructional decisions at the student, class, and school levels; and
  • success is not anecdotal—it’s visible and measurable.

Cultivating a Math-Positive Culture

One of the most transformative benefits of Math Catalyst is its ability to shift mindsets. By fostering a learning environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities and perseverance is celebrated, students begin to believe they can be successful in math. That cultural shift leads to stronger engagement, improved attendance in intervention sessions, and higher achievement.

The Bottom Line

Math Catalyst doesn’t just support a student’s understanding of math—it builds teacher capacity, strengthens school culture, and ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a practical, research-driven, and scalable approach to one of the most pressing challenges in education today.

If your goal is to see real math growth in your school or district, Math Catalyst isn’t just an option—it’s a catalyst for change.

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Topics: Assessments Mathematics