Discover Why a Student Struggles in Math, How to Intervene With the Feifer Assessment of Mathematics

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Mar 16, 2016, 12:51 ET

LUTZ, Fla., March 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Determining why a student is having difficulty in math can be a daunting task for teachers, psychologists, and parents. A new tool, the Feifer Assessment of Mathematics™ (FAM™), can help determine if a student has a math learning disability (MLD) and can help explain, from a neurodevelopmental perspective, how to best intervene.

The 19 subtests of the FAM can help examine the underlying processes that support the acquisition of proficient math skills. FAM results can determine if a child has the characteristics of an MLD and, further, the specific subtype of dyscalculia they may be suffering from—verbal, procedural, or semantic. By isolating, measuring, and quantifying an individual's specific subtype of dyscalculia, teachers and clinicians can then create appropriate interventions targeted to put that student back on the path to success.

"The FAM brings the newest and most updated research from the field of neuropsychology into the classroom," stated R. Bob Smith III, PhD, PAR chairman and CEO. "The FAM is based on the premise that different neural pathways are responsible for the various cognitive processes used in mathematical problem solving."

The FAM is written by Steven G. Feifer, DEd, who also created the Feifer Assessment of Reading™ (FAR™), which identifies specific neurodevelopmental factors that contribute to reading disorders. Both the FAR and FAM use cutting-edge research in neuropsychology to develop assessments that allow psychologists and teachers to better target the cause of students' academic problems, allowing practitioners the ability to create truly individualized treatment plans.

"The FAR and FAM represent a more ecologically valid way to understand the core psychological processes involved with both reading and mathematics," said Dr. Feifer. "Typical achievement tests are important to determine where a student is functioning with respect to a nationally normed sample, but the FAR and FAM were designed to explain why. This is the key to really putting back the 'I' into an IEP."

The FAM allows clinicians to conduct an in-depth assessment that provides information about how a child learns and processes information, helping to identify and diagnose math learning disabilities and reducing the risk of delaying diagnosis or denying students' eligibility for much needed services.

In addition to its solid scientific background, the FAM is convenient and easy for practitioners to use, with a complete kit priced at only $445. A screening measure is also available, priced at $235.

To learn more about the FAM, visit www.parinc.com, or call PAR Customer Support at 1.800.331.8378.

Founded in 1978, PAR is a leading publisher of assessment instruments, software, and other related materials. Over the past three decades, PAR has earned a reputation for providing customers with innovative assessment solutions and unparalleled customer service.

SOURCE PAR, Inc.