More Time for Math Will Help Students Succeed

Nova Scotia's students will get a stronger foundation in math that better prepares them for good jobs.

Starting next fall, high school students in the Mathematics 10 course will spend twice as much time learning in the classroom, Education Minister Ramona Jennex announced today, Oct. 30.

"No matter what their future plans are, our young people need a strong foundation in math," said Ms. Jennex. "Parents want their children to develop skills that will help them in everyday life, and industry leaders say that math is key. That's why helping students do well in math is a major focus of Kids and Learning First."

The province is also changing math curriculum to give students more time to grasp the most important concepts.

"In the construction industry, math is a fundamental skill used on a daily basis," said Cory Bell, president of Lindsay Construction. "Whether you are the structural engineer designing the building or the journeyperson carpenter building it, math is a big part of your career."

The new Mathematics 10 course will move from a semestered course to a full-year course in the fall of 2013.

"The Nova Scotia Teachers Union welcomes this announcement as math teachers have been telling us for some time that full-year courses in math help students to better retain the material," said teachers union president Shelley Morse. "We believe this change will better meet students' needs."

Grade 10 students will be among the first to receive the new curriculum, already being used in most other provinces and territories. It focuses on fewer topics in greater depth, giving students more time to master key concepts at the right grade level.

Monica Williams, director of programs and services at the Strait Regional School Board, welcomes the changes.

"Introducing a full-year course in Grade 10 mathematics is an important step forward," said Ms. Williams. "Teachers will have the time required to teach the new curriculum in depth, and students will have the time they need to fully understand and apply key mathematical concepts. We welcome the chance to work with the Department of Education in introducing this exciting new opportunity for our students."

Grade 10 students will also learn about financial literacy, including practical topics like keeping a budget, calculating interest and making wise decisions with money.

Teachers are training this year in the new curriculum. It will be phased in over three years, starting in 2013 with grades Primary to 3 and Grade 10.