Print the Plan

Improve Math and Reading Skills among K-12 Students

Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Math and reading skills are the cornerstones for all other types of learning. To support our government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, we will improve student achievement outcomes in reading and math through a number of initiatives by 2020-21. In 2018-19, our government will provide supports and allocations in the K-12 system for:

  • Reading Specialists, Learning Resource Teachers and Teaching and Learning Assistants;
  • Professional learning for teachers;
  • Learning resources and school libraries; and
  • Bursaries for K-6 teachers to upgrade their knowledge of math pedagogy.

These investments in math and reading also support our government’s commitment to prepare students for emerging skills requirements, as evidenced by the announcement in April 2018 that we are increasing the exposure of K-12 students to coding and other experiences with technology.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • The Provincial Government announced a partnership with Brilliant Labs to provide youth in grades K-12 with hands-on participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused activities (e.g., coding, maker spaces).
  • Brilliant Labs has support staff in place to assist schools with project specific activities related to Coding and STEM. Brilliant Labs has received 231 proposals from 116 schools, installed 20 maker spaces, and conducted 120 professional learning sessions with school staff.
  • Recent and ongoing curriculum renewal in Technology Education has a focus on coding.
  • The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development launched the Math Bursary program in Spring 2018 for Grades K-6 teachers to enhance capacity within the school system to teach Mathematics. To date, 29 teachers have received funding under the program and an additional 97 teachers have been pre-approved for funding.
  • Reading and Mathematics Advisory Committees and Working Groups have been established.
  • Implementation of the five-year Education Action Plan is moving swiftly with 31 of 82 actions already completed or underway. Key actions undertaken to date include:
    • Twenty-one reading specialists were hired and learning resources provided to support children’s reading development in the primary grades. This will increase to 104 over the next two years.
    • A new position, teaching and learning assistant, supports teachers in primary and elementary schools. Fifty-four teaching and learning assistants have already been hired with a plan to hire another 146 over the next two years.
    • Funding was provided to school districts as part of Budget 2018 for Learning Commons. 13.5 Teacher-Librarians have been hired this year, increasing to 39 over the next two years.
    • Six permanent K-6 mathematics program specialists with qualifications in mathematics, mathematics education, and where possible, qualifications in primary/elementary education.
    • Five permanent program specialists with expertise in reading instruction to provide leadership and curriculum support to the school-based reading specialists.

News Releases:

Fostering Youth Innovation through Coding and Technology

K-6 Mathematics Bursary Program Supports Professional Development for Teachers

Premier Ball Marks Progress on Education Action Plan

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Mathematics Bursary Program