ROOTS Kindergarten Math Intervention Program: Review & Overview | MTSS Tier 2

ROOTS is one of the high quality targeted kindergarten math intervention programs out there. It consists of 50 structured lessons math interventions designed to build both procedural fluency and deep conceptual understanding of whole number concepts. ROOTS is a paid program.

 ROOTS is a small-group program, led by instructional assistants, that meets 4 to 5 times a week for 10 to 12 weeks during the second half of the school year. Each session is around 20 minutes and includes 4 to 5 quick, focused activities designed to strengthen key whole number skills.

The program helps bridge the gap between early math knowledge and the formal math students encounter in kindergarten. ROOTS zeroes in on three important areas, base 10 and place value, number operations, and counting and cardinality
 

By concentrating on these essential skills, ROOTS gives young learners a strong foundation in whole number concepts, preparing them for success in future math learning.

ROOTS is designed for kindergarten students who are at risk for falling behind in early math. It is a Tier 2 supplemental intervention, making it ideal for students who need additional support beyond core classroom instruction but do not yet require the most intensive Tier 3 services. The program is well suited for schools and districts using an MTSS or RTI framework to identify and support at-risk learners. It is taught by paraprofessionals and instructional assistants in small groups of one to five students, making it practical for schools that want to extend intervention support without relying solely on certified teachers. ROOTS is particularly effective for students showing gaps in counting, number operations, and place value at the start of their formal math education.

ROOTS consists of 50 structured lessons delivered in small group sessions of around 20 minutes each, meeting four to five times per week over 10 to 12 weeks during the second half of the kindergarten year. Each session includes four to five short, focused activities targeting whole number concepts. The program zeroes in on three core skill areas: base ten and place value, number operations, and counting and cardinality. Paraprofessionals who deliver the program receive 10 hours of professional development along with ongoing in-school coaching visits. ROOTS has been evaluated in multiple research studies across Oregon, Massachusetts, and Texas, and holds a "Strong" evidence rating from Evidence for ESSA — the highest rating available — based on five qualifying studies involving over 2,100 students, with an average effect size of +0.19.