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Although it might seem surprising that junior high students are mandated to spend less time learning math than elementary kids, Smith explained “it may be that in (grades) 1 to 6, where the building blocks happen, it’s where you want to get all those basic skills, so there may be more time devoted there.

“In the later grades, they’re applying the knowledge more.”

Smith stressed that the mandated times are officially time spent “receiving math instruction,” and that older kids may be engaged in more work afterward, whether that’s problem-solving, projects or group work.

Along with the 31 math coaches deployed in up to 60 schools midway through last year, all schools that don’t have a math coach must now appoint a designated “math lead” to support teachers in delivering curriculum, particularly as it changes through the province’s ongoing curriculum update.

While that math lead may already be a teacher within the school with a higher level of math expertise, Smith said there may be additional funding available to allow them to give side-by-side support to teachers in the classroom.

“They may also provide that support on a professional learning day, when you bring your knowledge to help colleagues with the teaching of math,” Smith said.

All schools are also being asked to define a specific “math goal” based on academic outcomes geared to their individual weaknesses.

“So they may look at their data, report cards, PATs or diploma data and other assessments, to determine what areas they need to particularly focus on improvement,” Smith said.

“That doesn’t mean they don’t apply attention to anything else, it’s just, what are you going to focus on moving forward.”

As well, a few years ago, when report cards were scaled back to only two reporting periods, teachers were encouraged to connect with parents at least two more times.

Now, teachers will be encouraged to reach out specifically through a phone call or email, or other electronic sites such as Desire2Learn, and ensure parents are aware of their children’s progress in math.

eferguson@postmedia.com