It is important for all Island students to develop the math skills and confidence needed to lead productive lives, said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Doug Currie.
“Common assessments have brought Island teachers together to work towards the goal of improving student learning in mathematics,” said Minister Currie. “I had the opportunity to hear from teachers about the impact these assessments have had on their teaching strategies and I was very pleased to hear how these assessments have sparked a change in how our teachers approach math.”
The PEI provincial common assessments provide unique information that gives an overall picture of how we are doing in math as a province. The results can guide planning and selection of appropriate teaching strategies. These assessments have engaged and energized both students and teachers, and now several schools across the province have launched action plans that work for their individual school.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Dr. Tess Miller, Faculty of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island, analyzed the results of the Grade 9 Provincial Mathematics Common Assessment to identify problem areas for students. Dr. Miller is a psychometrician who has specialized in large-scale assessment and mathematics education.
Dr. Miller presented her preliminary findings at the Mathematics and Assessment Seminar Series held at UPEI earlier this month. Once her findings are complete, she will work with staff at the department to provide teachers with a resource that will identify problem areas as well as provide teaching tips on how to overcome these areas.
“Mathematical literacy is as important as reading and writing,” said Minister Currie. “Competency and confidence in mathematics increases the chance of success in today’s world. Achieving mathematical literacy is a complex goal but we have a responsibility to strive toward this goal for each and every Island student.”
To further the goal of mathematical literacy, this year the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is implementing new English math curriculum in Grades 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8 and new French math curriculum in Grades 1 to 5 and Grades 7 and 8. The cost for the resources and the training is approximately $125,000 per grade level. Next year, new curriculum will be implemented at the Grade 3, 5 and 9 levels, with the cost staying about the same. In 2010/11, the department will also be piloting new math curriculum at the Grade 6 level as well as Grade 10 in both academic and general courses.