Doing the math: Many can't
December 7, 2009
Kristin Rushowy
EDUCATION REPORTER
Not only do teens have trouble with writing, but they can't do the math either.
An informal survey of Ontario math and engineering professors and deans, conducted by the Legislative Research Service for the Ontario PC caucus, shows that many of them feel students' numeracy skills are lacking.
"I live in the city of Waterloo and we have two universities, and I had heard from the professors there who were somewhat dismayed that students are coming to university and not properly prepared to take math programs," said Elizabeth Witmer, the Tories' education critic and a former education minister.
York University has launched a task force to look at why half of first-year students taking math fail or drop out. Other universities have offered remedial programs to students before they even set foot on campus.
Cristina Amon, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at U of T, says "math appears to be an area where more students struggle than in other subjects, such as physics."
Witmer said the curriculum, starting in elementary school, should be reviewed, as well as supports for teachers.
However, a spokesperson for Education Minister Kathleen Wynne said the province recently created the College Mathematics Project, a collaboration between colleges and school boards, which is paying off in achievement tests.
Toronto Star