By Alberta government media release

Province introduces new supports for students and teachers with math

Dec 6, 2016 | 3:41 PM

ALBERTA – As part of the Future Ready initiative, the government is taking steps to help students achieve better marks in math and assist teachers in mathematical instruction.

Starting in 2018, high school mathematics diploma exams will once again require students to show their work. This portion of the exam was removed in 2010 by the previous government as a cost-saving measure. Alberta Education will also introduce a non-calculator portion to the Grade 9 Mathematics Provincial Achievement Test.

Teachers will soon have access to up to $2,000 to help cover tuition costs for post-secondary courses designed to strengthen their knowledge, skill and confidence in teaching mathematics. Details of the program are being finalized.

Alberta Education will allocate at least $2 million toward these actions through its existing budget.

“We will work diligently to improve our math scores by reinforcing basic skills and by introducing new programs. Strong math skills are key to success in learning,” stated David Eggen, Minister of Education.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Some of the actions taken by government were recommended by the Math Curriculum Review Working Group, a group of post-secondary and high school instructors who offered to assist government with studying how best to support the teaching of mathematics. The group held a series of discussions with key education partners and studied available research and data. Their final report, including six recommendations for action, was released December 6.

“We approached government and offered to analyze the current math curriculum and available supports for teachers. Our group is pleased to see government adopt some of our recommendations in the short term and hope others will help spur a larger conversation about mathematics instruction in our province,” commented John O’Connor with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and MacEwan University.

The initiatives announced come as new scores from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) saw a downward trend in mathematics scores among Alberta students. Students scored the highest in Canada in reading and science. The results come from exams written in May 2015.