Numeracy Plan

    Division Priority Two: NLPS Will Improve Numeracy in Students

    Our Priority

    Northern Lights Public Schools is committed to building a culture of numeracy, empowering learners, teachers and leaders to collectively shift their practice, giving meaning to mathematics as they improve numeracy skills and understanding of all students. This priority was established by the board after extensive consultations with students, parents and staff.

    Our Definition

    Alberta Education defines numeracy as the ability, confidence and willingness to engage with quantitative and spatial information to make informed decisions in all aspects of daily living.

    Our Evidence of Improvement

    Northern Lights students complete annual numeracy benchmark assessments using Canadian Achievement Test 4 (CAT4) and NLPS-developed Common Assessments, in addition to the regular classroom assessments that occur. Results are reviewed by schools each year. Additionally, Provincial, Numeracy Screening Assessments, Provincial Achievement Tests and Provincial Diploma Exams are used to monitor student progress

    Our Actions

    For All
    Universal Supports -
    Whole School

    For Some
    Targeted Support - Classroom Math
    Instruction and Practice

    For Few
    Individualized/Specialized Supports and Interventions

    Building Knowledge
    and Capacity

    Teaching, Learning
    and Assessment

    Interventions
    Improve and build a culture of numeracy in schools
    Teachers engage in co-learning with our Learning Consultants (Numeracy series and Tools for Teachers series)

    		 Support educators in the use of specialized population resources
    Numeracy across content areas - empower all teachers to assume responsibility for enhancing numeracy understanding Design and provide mathematics learning opportunities focusing on curriculum expectations
    Support educators with identifying timely and appropriate interventions for students needing additional support and gifted and talented students
    Increase student confidence related to numeracy Use a variety of learning experiences to support problem solving
    Create supports for educators in building safe, responsive and inclusive mathematics learning environments to reduce math anxiety
    Support administrators as supervisors and leaders in numeracy
    Develop increased understanding around the use of manipulatives and resources to enhance and support student learning

    		 Using Nelson publication “Do
    the Math” for Learning
    Disruption intervention
    program
    Identify, learn about and implement research-based instructional and assessment strategies
    Improve understanding of staff in relation to differentiating and personalizing learning experiences based on student needs

    		 Provision of the learning loss
    intervention grant led to the
    assessment of Grade 2/3
    students and addition of
    supports to students
    identified below grade level

    Explore and integrate the innovative use of emerging technologies and resources to enhance and transform teaching practice and student learning experiences

    		 Support the analysis of student learning to develop lessons that address student interests as well as strengths and needs  
    Nurture a collaborative relationship with families to support effective learning environments
    Parent/family/guardian resources - provide opportunities for families to engage in mathematics together to develop a growth mindset and positive disposition towards learning

    		  
    Work with learners to be self-reflective and advocate for their learning
    Include information and supports regarding mathematics in communications to parents/guardians

    		  

    Guide division professional development planning

    Provision of the learning loss intervention grant led to the assessment of Grade 2/3 students and addition of supports to students identified below grade level

    		  

    “Building Thinking Classrooms”
    - Peter Liljedahl - Professional development and learning strategies that work to incorporate numeracy across multiple curriculum

    K-6 new curriculum
    implementation of
    mathematics program of
    studies utilizing NewLearn
    Alberta for PD and resources

    		  

    Additional directors of
    instruction in division splits, K-6 and 7-12, hired for 2023-24 school year and beyond

     

    		  

    Our School Plans

    As part of their improvement plans, each school in Northern Lights is implementing universal, targeted and individualized strategies to enhance support for students. These strategies align with divisional actions and are designed to meet the unique demographics and needs of each school.

    Our Resources

    Director of Instruction - K-6, Director of Instruction - 7-12, Learning Consultants, Student Support Team Coordinators, Administrators, Teaching Staff, and Educational Assistants.

    Targets for Improvement

    Since Covid, we have gone through a rigorous process of assessment to establish benchmarks in numeracy and capture data in a meaningful way. We are no longer collecting partial data and are moving towards establishing a more complete picture of students' skills and abilities in numeracy.