July 24, 2014
Curriculum Outcomes Highlight Student Success
University Recognizes the Success of Revised Math Curriculum
Memorial University has recognized the success of the revised provincial mathematics curriculum by offering high school graduates who have completed Calculus 3208 the option to write a newly-established Calculus Placement Test (CPT), which can earn them a university mathematics credit (Math 1000) and direct entry into Math 1001.
“This year’s high school graduates were the first students in the province to complete the new senior high mathematics curriculum and the first to write the CPT. Results of the exam indicate that our graduates are better prepared to meet the demands of post-secondary education, specifically in mathematics. This is encouraging news and a testament to the quality of the new math curriculum and its instruction. It is also an indication that our efforts to enhance numeracy skills and improve student achievement in mathematics, as evidenced by the $18.5 million invested in the Excellence in Math Strategy over the past six years, is showing favourable results.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Memorial University has endorsed the new senior high mathematics curriculum. In offering the opportunity to write the CPT, the university recognizes that Newfoundland and Labrador high school graduates who have successfully completed Calculus 3208 have fulfilled a significant portion of foundational calculus topics.
“The CPT was written for the first time on June 7, at various sites throughout the province. The results were really encouraging with 311 students choosing to write the CPT and 226 students (over 72 per cent) successful in gaining credit for Memorial's introductory calculus course, Math 1000. All students who attempted Calculus 3208 at high school will have a significant advantage when it comes to their university studies – either they will receive credit for Math 1000, or they will start Math 1000 having already studied the material.”
- Dr. Chris Radford, Department Head, Mathematics and Statistics
Math 1000 is a core first year course for many programs in Science, Engineering and Business. Since 2009, the Provincial Government has been working closely with Memorial University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics. As a result of the revised math curriculum, the university has revised a number of its entrance regulations. Along with the CPT, advanced mathematics students scoring 75 per cent or greater on Mathematics 3200 will be exempt from writing the Math Placement Test (MPT) and given direct entry into Math 1000.
Prior to this year, all students – regardless of mark or course – were required to write the MPT before registering for any math course at Memorial University.
Minister King also noted that mathematics achievement was among the agenda items discussed at the recent Council of Minister of Education, Canada meetings in Charlottetown, P.E.I. (July 7-9). At the meetings, ministers from throughout the country spoke of the need to ensure all K-12 teachers are adequately trained in mathematics instruction, and that supports are in place to ensure quality instruction continues in the classroom.
QUICK FACTS
- The success of the revised mathematics curriculum is being recognized by Memorial University which, for the first time this year, offered students the option to write a Calculus Placement Test (CPT).
- The university has recognized that high school graduates who have successfully completed Calculus 3208 have fulfilled a significant portion of foundational calculus topics.
- Students who pass the CPT are therefore given credit for Memorial University’s Math 1000, with direct entry into Math 1001.
- In addition, advanced mathematics students scoring 75 per cent or greater on Mathematics 3200 will be exempt from writing the Math Placement Test (MPT) and given direct entry into Math 1000.
- Since 2007, in an effort to improve achievement levels in numeracy and mathematics, the Provincial Government has invested $18.5 million into an Excellence in Math Strategy.
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Media contact:| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Meaghan Whelan Manager, Communications Memorial University 709-864-2455 Mcwhelan@mun.ca |
2014 07 24 10:40 a.m.