The marks are in, and frankly…. they aren’t good! Only 48% of Grade 6 students are meeting the required math literacy. One has to question where we are failing our children!
Is it the way they are being taught? The teachers themselves? We all had great teachers and average ones over the years. However, it is clear that the current mix of curriculum and staff isn’t succeeding. Why? One wonders, especially as the new rule requires that new hire math teachers must now also pass the test with a mark of … just 70%.
How can this be? The only requirement to teach our children requires that the teacher only understands the material they are tasked to teach at a “C” level? How can a teacher be expected to properly explain material that they themselves do not completely understand? Fortunately, there are a lot of great math teachers in this province. Hopefully the high standards will continue. And fortunately, even with the best teacher – if a child needs some extra attention there are options available.
Whether it is through us, math camps, study groups, or whatever resources students need – it needs to be available to them. Anyone can become math-literate with the right support. Whether they just need some extra help, or don’t learn the way a subject is being taught – if they fall behind in math it can become a limiting aspect to their options.
Our children deserve the best chance to get the career in science, technology, engineering, or other future endeavor of their choice. Math literacy will help them have more choices to make.
