Provincial Advisory Committee on Mathematics Achievement meets

Education Minister Judy Foote says the Department of Education is moving forward with initiatives designed to ensure a mathematics education for the province�s students that will prepare them for success in future learning and future employment.

In response to the issue of student performance in mathematics, the Department of Education established the Provincial Advisory Committee on Mathematics Achievement. This working group, chaired by Randell Mercer, director of education for the Lewisporte-Gander School District, has representation from the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association, the Faculty of Education at Memorial University, provincial school boards and the Department of Education. On Thursday, June 13, the committee held its first full day meeting to establish its parameters, examine mathematics achievement data and review the proceedings from several recent consultations on issues that affect a student�s performance in mathematics.

"This is the latest in a series of steps being taken by the department to improve student achievement in math," said Minister Foote. "This working group has been asked to provide advice on the steps to be taken to improve attainment in math and to make recommendations to the department and school districts on a long term strategy for improving mathematics achievement. We will ensure a process so that upon full implementation, the breadth and depth of the outcomes in the Mathematics curriculum is appropriate for all students. It is imperative we talk to the teachers and listen to what they are saying about math. Officials from the Department of Education also held a two-day expert forum to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the new Atlantic Canada Senior High Mathematics Curriculum used in our schools. The information gathered will be reviewed by the advisory committee to determine future directions for the senior high curriculum.

"The Department of Education has also partnered with other members on the Council on Higher Education to devise a Mathematics Action Plan for Transition to Post-Secondary Education. Together with representatives from the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and school boards, we are working on strategies that will assist students to succeed as they embark on their post-secondary education. It is crucial our students are well prepared when they enter university or college."

In addition to establishing the Provincial Advisory Committee on Mathematics Achievement, the Department of Education has undertaken a series of initiatives to deal with low student performance in math. A diagnostic math assessment intended to evaluate math skills of senior high students has been developed. Criterion referenced tests that measure how students are performing in mathematics are administered to students at the end of grades three, six, and nine. Public examinations are administered for both academic and advanced Level III courses. Teacher professional development in mathematics has taken place this year and will continue this summer and next fall at a cost of $200,000.

Last summer, the department organized and funded institutes for grade seven and eight teachers. Institutes are planned for elementary, intermediate and senior high teachers for this summer.

"We are committed to improving student performance in mathematics at all grade levels," said Minister Foote. "The education of our youth is the responsibility of all, government, community leaders, school board trustees, teachers, parents, and students, and is the key to success. Strengthening student achievement requires a concerted effort. These initiatives and the hard work of students and teachers will yield consistently strong mathematics achievement levels in our schools."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2002 06 21                             2:20 p.m.