Pacey applauds proposed math changes

A local teacher's union rep calls proposed provincial changes to applied mathematics "great news."

Further information is included in the following news release issued today by the OSSTF, District 4:
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News that the changes to the grade 9 applied math curriculum will be ready for September 2005 is great news according to Keith Pacey, President of District 4, Teachers’ Bargaining Unit of the Ontario secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).

“Applied students at both the grades 9 and 10 level have been struggling with the current curriculum and mathematics teachers both locally and provincially have been asking for changes since it was introduced," said Pacey.

"The applied students are some of our most vulnerable students. Many of them are at risk for dropping out of school and yet we have continued to demand that they attempt curriculum and EQAO tests that are inappropriate for their needs.”

All grade 9 students complete the same EQAO test, regardless of whether they are an applied or an academic student.

"Each year we force applied students to complete a standardized test that is designed for academic students and then wonder why their achievement levels are so poor," Pacey said.

"Imagine if all adults were required to meet the same driving test standards as a Mario Andretti. A lot more adults would be walking.”

Mr. Pacey, a mathematics teacher with the Near North District school board, congratulated Mr. Kennedy for acting quickly to bring about changes to the applied grade 9 math curriculum, but also challenged him to address the needs of the grade 10 students.

“Mathematics teachers and students both locally and throughout the province have just as many concerns about the grade 10 applied curriculum,” said Pacey. Currently the grade 10 curriculum contains material that used to be taught to university bound grade 12 students.

“It is very important that the minister address the needs of these students as soon as possible,” concluded Pacey.