EngageMath
Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy, K to 12
Approaches to Instruction/Assessment
"Students in a mathematics class typically demonstrate diversity in the ways they learn best. It is important, therefore, that students have opportunities to learn in a variety of ways." (Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 & 10, Mathematics, pg. 23)
Teachers design math instruction/assessment to support learners in achieving the expectations of the Ontario curriculum. A comprehensive mathematics program includes a variety of instructional/assessment approaches in rich learning contexts, and focuses on the development of conceptual and procedural understanding, skill development and problem-solving. A balanced program begins with the learner profile and includes guided/direct instruction, as well as opportunities for student inquiry in which students generate their own solutions. A variety of groupings for collaborative learning with peers as well as time for independent learning are essential.
FAQ about approaches to instruction/assessment (see bottom of the page)
Loving the Math, Living the Math video series
LearnTeachLead.ca is the Ministry of Education's Student Achievement Division’s new home for relevant resources for educators. It is a place where educators can talk about their practice, learn from others around the globe, nurture innovative thinking and engage in problem-solving.
Visit the site here to watch their "Loving the Math, Living the Math" video series featuring Matthew Oldridge's grade 6, 7 and 8 classes. Matthew is currently a Peel board math resource teacher.
While his program is just one example of how a math program can contribute to the development of confident mathematicians, there are valuable insights for primary, junior and secondary educators as well.
Other Approaches to Instruction/Assessment video resources are also available on the EngageMath micro-site.
This month’s "Problem of the Month" focuses on spatial reasoning
Spatial reasoning involves the location and movement of objects and ourselves--mentally or physically, in space. Typically, it is linked to geometry in schools.
Spatial reasoning in children is a considered a predictor of success in fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Explicit attention to spatial thinking is considered a “blind spot” in math curricula around the world. For context, see page 5 of the Ministry of Education's Paying Attention to Spatial Reasoning monograph.
Three-part lessons a key Transformational Practice
Key Transformational Practices, like three-part lessons, are used in all math classrooms. The three-part lesson design is a framework for lesson planning, originally employed in mathematics, which has expanded into differentiated instruction across curricular areas. Information about how the three basic phases are used is available on our intranet.
Everyone is a math teacher, parents included
Parents and other adults in our students' lives are important partners in children's mathematics education. When we provide them with ways to engage their children in thinking and talking about mathematics, we help support numeracy success.
One great resource for parents of children in kindergarten to grade 6 is the Ministry of Education's Doing Mathemathics With Your Child: Parent Guide. For more math tips and tools for parents of kindergarten to grade 12 students, visit the ministry's ABC 123 website and the Peel District School Board's Math Help pages.
EngageMath micro-site
Our EngageMath intranet micro-site is staff's one-stop spot for all mathematics resources. By clicking on the EngageMath chiclet on your MySite page, you will be directed to the micro-site.
#EngageMath and #PeelMathChat on Twitter
To keep up-to-date with EngageMath on Twitter, follow #EngageMath and #PeelMathChat. See the #PeelMathChat Storify from Nov. 27 on Proportional Reasoning.
The next #PeelMathChat will take place from 8 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2015. The topic discussed will be How to effectively/purposefully integrate various technology tools into a math program? On Feb. 26, 2015, from 8 to 9 p.m. the #PeelMathChat will focus on Procedural v. Conceptual Understanding. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Meet the EngageMath team
The Peel board's Instructional Co-ordinator for Mathematical Literacy Mary Fiore and her team of Math Resource Teachers (Tina Grandy, Mashelle Kaukab and Matthew Oldridge) support the implementation of EngageMath in Peel.
In addition, more than 60 instructional coaches are being deployed in Peel schools to support staff in focused professional development in the use of effective math instructional strategies.
Email: mary.fiore@peelsb.com
Website: https://portal.peelschools.org/EngageMath/pages/default.aspx
Phone: 905-890-1010
Twitter: @MaryFiore1