Personalized math support builds student confidence in Kansas middle school

At Clark Middle School in Bonner Springs, Kans., math support means empowering students to take the lead in their learning.

Every week, students sat down in Kaleb Sauer's “Brave Time” intervention class with an AI chatbot, programmed by Sauer, to practice math skills they were struggling with. They asked questions, tried practice problems, and received feedback and tips. The judgment-free space helped ease the anxiety many students feel in math classes. 

“Instead of just one of me, there are 25 of me in a classroom giving instant feedback and helping students,” Sauer said. 

Sauer used diagnostic benchmark testing to assess three skills a student had yet to master at their grade level and created personalized chatbots built around those skills. His students chose one skill to spend a month mastering and then designed a five-minute lesson to teach their peers what they learned. 

Students designed lessons that incorporated their own interests and hobbies. One student created a lesson plan that incorporated dirt bike riding into a lesson plan on adding and subtracting fractions. Other students designed educational games and activities. 

The students also learned the basics of prompt writing and that AI can make mistakes, which encourages students to fully learn the math skill and double-check answers. 

The chatbots don’t replace Sauer. He offered students support and guidance during their learning and design time but noticed that students were excited to have more independence and creative freedom in the subject they were struggling with. 

“This project empowered students to be independent learners,” Sauer said, “and helped them understand that they can learn a new skill when they’re given the appropriate tools.” 

Sauer said that every student improved their benchmark tests, exceeding his expectations and highlighting the importance of a learning environment with judgment-free guidance, autonomy, and immediate feedback. 

Clark Middle School is one of many schools across Kansas participating in the CRE cohort program. The cohorts build a community dedicated to reimagining education through CRE’s Three Lens Framework.

Three lenses in action

True Transformation

Sauer challenged the traditional intervention model and designed a more personalized approach around each student’s specific skill gaps. Using data to refine instruction and provide immediate feedback, Sauer centered evidence‑based, student‑focused learning to improve outcomes. 

Student Involvement

Students were co‑creators of their instruction. They chose which skill to focus on, designed lessons around their own interests, and taught peers what they learned. This agency helped students build confidence, deepen understanding, and take ownership of their learning. 

Start Small | Grow Big

The work took place in a single “Brave Time” intervention class, creating a manageable pilot that encouraged experimentation, iteration, and reflection. This school‑within‑a‑school approach demonstrates how innovative ideas can start small, show measurable impact, and grow to influence broader instructional practices.