Mathematics
Helping to improve student outcomes in mathematics
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s Mathematics Achievement Action Plan details the key focus areas for ongoing professional learning and practice. The Mathematics Achievement Action Plan outlines classroom and school practices and how school teams and the system will support their development and implementation.
Key Components of the Math Achievement Action Plan
To better prepare students for success in the classroom and for their future, the objectives of the Ministry of Education’s Taking Action in Math framework are to improve mathematics achievement and success through the following key pillars:
- Curriculum fidelity
- Educator math content knowledge
- Knowing the mathematics learner & responding
Math achievement efforts across Waterloo Catholic DSB include evidence-informed strategies and approaches supported by key initiatives and professional learning. We are supporting math learning and implementing our Math Achievement Plan to meet the local needs in our schools and the varying needs of students in the following ways:
Math Coach Model | Learning Cycles
WCDSB has engaged in tiered math coaching since 2016 as a part of the Renewed Math Strategy and the Ontario Math Strategy wherein our math coaches work directly in classrooms with teachers and students over multi-week time blocks three times a year in assigned learning cycles. The work of school-based math facilitation (math coaching) outlined in the current 2024-25 Taking Action in Mathematics Framework is a continuation of WCDSB’s previous math coaching model which includes:
- Work in priority schools in Grades 3 and 6 classrooms
- Supporting math academic achievement efforts in alignment with the school and board improvement goals and actions.
- Provide in-class facilitation to strengthen math knowledge and pedagogy
- Share resources and effective practices.
- Collaborate with classroom educators to identify students’ strengths, needs and determine appropriate interventions which may also include Resources and/or Special Education teachers.
- Work directly with students who require additional support by using high-impact and early intervention strategies
The current math coaching model is supported by three Math Coaches to support priority schools in identified grades (3 & 6).
Professional Learning Opportunities
Educators have the opportunity to take part in in multi-modal (e.g., virtual, in-person, on-demand, weekly communications) professional learning focused on:
- Building Math Curriculum Content Knowledge | Strand E: Spatial Sense & Strand D: Data (THINKING questions)
- Using High Impact Instructional Practices | Small group Instruction Direct Instruction | Deliberate Practice |Tools & Representations | Problem Solving (Thinking Routines)
- Learning through Math Processes and Developing SELs through math tasks
- Math Lead Teacher monthly Math PD sessions (focus on Small Group Instruction)
- MOCK EQAO implementation
- Implementing In-the-Moment Gap Closing
- Classroom Assessment Opportunities
- Use of system-supported math resources
| School-Based Supports | System-wide Resources |
|---|---|
Schools will receive site-based supports for:
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All schools and educators also have access to WCDSB’s:
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Math skills are important to a child’s success – both at school and in everyday life. Learning is enhanced when students are engaged in problem solving with relevant and authentic connections that provide multiple entry points. In recognition of this, it is important that all students’ learning opportunities are mathematically rich, meaningful and serve to expand their understanding of the world around them.
- Students will have access to authentic, relevant and meaningful mathematics learning connected to students’ communities and lives;
- Educators will create learning spaces that give all students the opportunity to see themselves as mathematicians and become capable and competent math learners
- Students will have opportunities to think critically and creatively; seeing connections to other disciplines beyond mathematics
Access the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum (2020) and the parent guide New math curriculum for Grades 1-8 | ontario.ca on the Curriculum and Resources site.
Math @HOME Monthly
Latest parents/caregivers and community newsletter
Parents can make a big difference in their child’s learning by talking with them about what they are learning at school. While these resources are optional, they provide valuable information about what students are learning at school and ideas for supporting their learning at home.
Parent Guide: New math curriculum for Grades 1-8 | ontario.ca
You can make a difference and support your child’s learning if you speak positively about math and model confidence. Learn more about how to make math part of your day.
Online Learning Resources:
TVO Learn | Parents and caregivers can use TVO Learn’s straightforward, trustworthy, engaging and free resources to support children’s learning.
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Access Link: https://tvolearn.com/
Knowledgehook | Parents and caregivers can use Knowledgehook to track their child’s progress in math, access interactive resources to support learning at home, and receive real-time updates on their child’s strengths and areas for improvement. It enables parents to actively engage in their child’s math education and provide targeted support. Students can register themselves, or teachers can create a class and have students engage in activities at home. Inquiry with your child’s classroom teacher for an invitation.
Grades: 1 to 10
Access Link: https://app.knowledgehook.com/app/student/join
TVO Learn mPower | Parents and caregivers can use TVO Learn mPower’s suite of 65+ online games to bridge math learning from school to home with fun, curriculum-aligned content in math and many other subjects. Free to all Ontario educators, students, and families.
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 6
Access Link: https://www.tvompower.com/
TVO Learn Mathify
Parents and caregivers can use TVO Learn Mathify to connect their children with certified math tutors online, providing one-on-one help, personalized learning, and access to interactive tools and resources for additional practice and support. Students can use TVO Learn Mathify to:
- Get homework help for math
- Prepare for math tests
- Ask clarity on math concepts
- Visually sketch math problems
Grades: 4 to 12
Access Link: https://mathify.tvolearn.com/
FREE ONLINE TUTORING: Experience seasoned guidance with our Mathify tutors, skilled across Grades 4 – 12. From homework help to exam prep, we’re here for you.
Courseware by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing
Parents and caregivers can use CEMC courseware to access interactive activities, practice questions, instructional videos, and math problems to provide additional practice and resources. The courseware is online, free to use, and does not require registration.
Grades: 7 to 12
Access Link: https://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/courseware/courseware.html
Learn more about how EQAO develops its assessments, what to expect when completing them and the resources available to students and teachers.
Video: https://vimeo.com/821740973
Grade 3, Primary Division
The Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division, assesses the reading, writing and mathematics skills students are expected to have learned by the end of Grade 3.
Learn more about Grade 3, Primary Division – EQAO
Click here to view EQAO Primary Sample Test
Grade 6, Junior Division
The Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Junior Division assesses the reading, writing and mathematics skills students are expected to have learned by the end of Grade 6.
Learn more about Grade 6, Junior Division – EQAO
Click here to view EQAO Junior Sample Test
Data from EQAO assessments act as a snapshot that shows whether students are meeting curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics at key stages of their education. EQAO’s data are an important indicator of student learning that add to the available knowledge about how Ontario students are doing. Alongside information from other sources, EQAO data can strengthen conversations about student learning across the province.
School, Board and Provincial Results, 2022 – 2023
