The authors noted the lag in development of mathematics concepts is due to delays in language development, lack of exposure to life based problem solving and inadequate preservice teacher preparation in the area of mathematics. Do you agree?

I agree with the authors. Much of what we do is centered around language delay because children with hearing loss have missed out on language and incidental learning in the time before they receive amplification. You really need to have a good language base before you can start into more complex things like math. You also have to really pay attention to the language you use when you are teaching math. Specific phrases and vocabulary need to be learned and used so the concept being taught can be understood. I know from previous experience that if you switch up phrases between math operations the students can get confused. You have to be very clear and very careful about the language that you use especially with something as complex as math. As we have discussed in class math is something that goes from concrete to very abstract. That makes the language use all the more important.

I can't say much about teacher preparation programs. I feel as though our program prepares us pretty well, but I don't know about any other programs. I would like to have more instruction on strategies across subject areas but I feel like our program does well to prepare us!