In a ministerial statement in the House of Assembly on March 21, Education Minister Judy Foote announced the allocation of $725,000 for the purchase of graphing calculators for senior high schools in the province.

This technology will support the delivery of the new senior high mathematics curriculum which was developed conjointly for the Atlantic region. Implementation of this curriculum began in September 1999 for a small portion of the student population and will extend to include all Grade 10 students in the province and a small portion of Grade 11 students for September 2000. The technological support will include both tools for teacher demonstration and for student use. Graphing technology is used to enhance understanding in the mathematics classroom and may also help to enhance aspects of programming in the sciences.

"We recognize that supporting curriculum sometimes must go beyond the traditional approach which was characterized by the supply of just print material. Technology can enhance the quality, depth, and breadth of the learning experience," said Minister Foote.

"While this technology currently exists in some schools in this province, there is inconsistency from school to school. This provincial supply will help to level the playing field between small and large, and rural and urban schools and provide for greater equality of opportunity province wide," added the minister.

This expenditure demonstrates this government�s continued commitment to providing quality programs with adequate support to ensure excellence in teaching and learning.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

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