Province Releases First Elementary Mathematical Literacy Assessment

The province released the results of the first Elementary Mathematical Literacy assessment today, July 26.

The assessment monitors the progress of the first Grade 3 group of students who wrote the provincial math assessment in 2006-07. Nine-thousand students, now in Grade 6, responded to questions about number and operation, patterns, measurement, geometry, data and probability.

Results showed that 63 per cent of students at English-language schools met expectations - a decrease of four per cent since their Grade 3 performance 2006-07. Seventy-seven per cent of students at French-language schools met expectations - an increase of eight per cent since their Grade 3 performance.

"These assessments give families, educators and the department valuable information about how students are doing and how the system is performing overall," said Education Minister Marilyn more.

"Although many students are meeting expectations, these results clearly show that we need to do more, collectively, to ensure all of Nova Scotia's students grasp the essential math concepts needed to succeed in their education and beyond."

Satisfactory performance on the Elementary Mathematical Literacy Assessment is based on a scale, developed by an expert panel of educators and board representatives. The scale ranges from 200 to 800, with an expectation that students achieve at least a 469 or better. This expectation reflects the level of understanding students need as a foundation for future success in mathematics.

"Results are used to guide instruction and further support each student's development in mathematics at key stages in their learning," said Ms. More. "These results will help guide us as we work on revising math curriculum."

To improve student learning, a new elementary math curriculum will be rolled out beginning in 2011, with Grade 7 and 8 students set to receive a new curriculum the following year. The new curriculum will be better focused on providing students with the ability to develop a deep and thorough understanding of the subject matter.

"This curriculum is a made-in-Nova Scotia solution that was developed in consultation with 10 university mathematicians and mathematics educators, said More. "We are confident it will improve the math skills of our youth."

The department will also continue to enhance the skills of math teachers through mentoring, workshops, summer courses, guides and other training opportunities.

More information on the Elementary Mathematical Literacy Assessment and the Evaluation des apprentissages en mathematiques is available at www.emla.ednet.ns.ca .