Originally presented at the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) 76th Annual Conference in 2026, this session examines how gaps in foundational mathematics understanding during PreK–2 contribute to student struggles in third grade and beyond.

This 25-minute accelerated recap of the original 50-minute conference session highlights key concepts, including the importance of early conceptual understanding, the progression of mathematical skills across grade levels, and how foundational learning gaps become evident on Ohio State Tests (OST). Through vertical analysis of assessment items and Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Level 3 examples, viewers will gain insight into the instructional decisions and leadership practices needed to strengthen early mathematics outcomes.

Whether you missed this year's conference or attended and want to revisit the content, this condensed recording serves as a valuable professional learning resource for administrators, instructional leaders, and educators seeking to strengthen mathematics instruction from PreK through third grade.

In half the time, revisit the critical conversations and practical insights from the original session!