As part of the launch for the WRDSB’s 2015-16 Math Strategy, administrators from elementary and secondary schools had the opportunity to hear from Bruce Rodrigues, CEO of the Education Quality and Accountability Office.

Bruce spoke about the challenges of moving policy to into practice, and the critical role administrators have in leading improvements in learning, mainly in the area of mathematics. He encouraged administrators to move their goals into action, by taking into consideration what they already know about math instruction and learning in their schools, a begin a process to address challenges. He stressed the importance of monitoring the impact of their efforts in order to see real change. His comments reinforced the system expectation on our Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement, as students and educators engage in learning through an ongoing collaborative cycle (Plan, Act, Assess, Reflect).

Bruce emphasized that the challenges facing the province with respect to learning in mathematics is complex. He stated that the problem with mathematics is not a technical problem; and therefore a technical solution won’t work. There is no magic solution. Our work at improving results includes engaging families in their child’s learning, as beliefs about who is good at math and who isn’t is a part of the challenge.

Concluding his time, Bruce emphasized that we need to move beyond the term “21st Century learning” and focus on understanding global competencies and innovation.  This global competency and innovation represents a focus on literacy and numeracy capacity, well-being, as well as passion and compassion for this world.  This is the future and he challenged all to think about what the implications for the classroom are.

Visit the WRDSB Mathematics Beliefs Statement document to learn more about the four key areas of focus identified for 2015-16.

 

Round-table discussions with Bruce Rodrigues.

Round-table discussions with Bruce Rodrigues.