Grade 6 math remains a concern for Upper Canada school board despite gains

The board says foundational math skills, including fluency in basic operations, remain part of its classroom focus

Grade 6 math remains a major concern for the Upper Canada District School Board, despite improvements in student results over the past several years.

The issue was raised by trustees during a discussion about the board's latest achievement results. Officials acknowledged the results have improved, but said they remain below the provincial level.

UCDSB CEO Ron Ferguson said the board's Grade 6 math results have increased by about 10 percentage points, from 33 per cent, but there is still work to do.

The board is bringing Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO teachers together, along with teachers responsible for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, to review the data and begin the school year with a focus on student needs.

Chief Education Officer Shelley Riddell said the board is using frequent assessments to determine whether classroom strategies are working.

The board says foundational math skills, including fluency in basic operations, remain part of its classroom focus.

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