Earlier today the Minister of Education, the Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, commented on a recent report made by the Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences regarding the mathematics curriculum in the Atlantic provinces and its implications for universities.
Minister Lantz said while the Department of Education in Prince Edward Island is implementing the common Atlantic mathematics outcomes, the department made a decision in 1998 to create its own curriculum guides, select its own resources and develop its own process for implementing the curriculum in Island high schools.
In Prince Edward Island, the senior high school curriculum was developed by a mathematics committee consisting of the department's mathematics consultant, a teacher from each high school and representatives from the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.
"This approach has worked well," said Minister Lantz. "We have involved the major stakeholders in the development process. In addition, teachers on the mathematics curriculum committee act as mentors in their individual schools. By working closely with other teachers who are delivering the curriculum, they are participating in an excellent professional development model."
Minister Lantz commented on the report's recommendation regarding teacher qualifications. He said that PEI senior high schools have qualified and experienced mathematics teachers. Another recommendation stated that teacher education programs should make efforts to provide workshops and training on new curriculum. Minister Lantz said that is the case. One of the teacher-members of the senior high mathematics curriculum committee currently teaches the secondary mathematics methods course to Bachelor of Education students at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Minister Lantz added that while the common Atlantic mathematics curriculum provided for four high school mathematics courses, PEI has provided six courses.
"Our partners are committed to providing a high quality mathematics curriculum in Island classrooms," said Minister Lantz. "Our collaborative approach to developing curriculum in our province is integral to achieving this goal." Minister Lantz added that the public education system in Prince Edward Island is successfully addressing many of the recommendations put forward in the report.