November 9th, 2023

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is committed to supporting increased student engagement and academic outcomes in mathematics. We know that parents, caregivers, staff and community members play a critical role in supporting student achievement and well-being. We are excited to share with you the WRDSB Math Action Plan to support student learning.

Helping to improve student outcomes in mathematics

The WRDSB Math Action Plan was developed in response to the Ministry of Education 2023 Math Strategy. It calls upon school boards to develop their own plans, focusing on three key areas:

  • Curriculum implementation
  • Educator math content training
  • Knowing the mathematics learner

We will ensure that identity and social location no longer predict student outcomes. This means providing all students access to mathematics instructional practices that are:

  • High-level
  • Equitable
  • Inclusive

Leadership and learning at all levels is needed to create the conditions in which students will thrive in mathematics.

The goals in the WRDSB Math Action Plan span all grade levels, from kindergarten to graduation. The WRDSB Math Action Plan is for all WRDSB Educators.

How we are supporting students

In each of these key areas, we have created strategies and selected indicators to help us keep track of our progress. Math Facilitators will be supporting priority schools to:

  • Help student achievement and well-being
  • Build educator capacity

To support implementation of the WRDSB Math Action Plan, we will be reporting our progress to the Ministry of Education and providing updates to the public. One of the key tools for measuring success will be the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessment results. In the 2022-23 Board Improvement and Equity Plan, we outlined several performance indicators to measure our progress, including in the area of mathematics.

We focused on:

  • % of students who met or exceeded the provincial standard in the Grade 3 and Grade 6 EQAO assessment of mathematics
  • % of students who met or exceeded the provincial standard on the 2022-2023 Grade 9 EQAO
  • % of students achieving a final grade of 70% or higher in Grade 9 De-streamed Math

This work is ongoing as the WRDSB continues to support student achievement and well-being guided by our Strategic Plan.

Working together to improve student outcomes and measuring impact

Throughout the next year, WRDSB staff will be working together in collaboration with parents, caregivers and families to support students. Educators and education workers will:

  • Engage in professional development opportunities to build capacity
  • Learn alongside itinerant coaches to improve student academic outcomes in mathematics

School-based supports will be available to help facilitate student engagement and learning. They include:

  • Support for priority schools
  • Additional math tools and resources

The ongoing reporting and assessment of our practices will ensure we are making data-driven decisions. These include:

  • Ministry reports
  • Report card data
  • Surveys

We will also be responsive to student needs and improve outcomes for all students.

Learn more about the WRDSB Math Action Plan

If you have specific questions about the WRDSB Math Action Plan and how to support your child’s learning, please reach out to your child’s teacher or school principal.

Learn more about the WRDSB Math Action Plan.

Categories: Principal's Message