File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / oksun70File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / oksun70
Sarnia

Local math scores still not adding up

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is hoping more math coaches and a special PA Day will add up to better student achievement.

The 2017-2018 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results show math scores in Grades 3 and 6, and in Grade 9 applied math, lagging well below the provincial average.

In fact, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard in Grade 6 was 38 per cent, 11 points off the Ontario average of only 49 per cent.

Superintendent of Education Ben Hazzard said the board has increased its number of math coaches from one to seven, and they'll host a Professional Activity Day on fundamental math skills this year.

"We actually dig deeper into the math learning, we've got a clear focus within the Lambton-Kent school board," says Hazzard. "Which is putting coaches in schools so there are expert teachers able to work side by side with classroom teachers to help our students improve their fundamental math skills."

While improvement is indicated in Grades 3 and 6 reading and writing, public school students are still performing well below the provincial average in those categories as well.

Results for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board generally match the provincial average in Grades 3 and 6 reading and writing and in Grade 3 math, but the Grade 6 math score is still five points behind at 44 per cent.

For EQAO results for both boards and individual schools click here.

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