Educators
Welcome to the mathematics page for educators!
We have reorganized our web pages into three groups, students, parents and educators, with the most up-to-date information about the learning and teaching of mathematics that we hope you find useful.
Kindergarten to Grade 12 Mathematics programs
Alberta is recognized worldwide as a leader in the development of quality curriculum. The revised Kindergarten to Grade 12 mathematics program maintains this standard by integrating current research, developments and trends in mathematics learning and teaching.
The revised mathematics programs of study were developed in collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents, business representatives, post-secondary institutions and others to ensure they meet the needs of Alberta students.
The Mathematics Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs of study are based on the Common Curriculum Framework (CCF) under the Western Northern Canadian Protocol. The CCF identifies beliefs about mathematics, general and specific student outcomes, and achievement indicators.
To learn more about the revised mathematics programs, we encourage you to take a look at the Programs of Study. They provide in-depth information on what students are expected to learn at each grade level.
Beliefs about students and mathematics learning
Students learn by attaching meaning to what they do, and they need to construct their own meaning of mathematics. At all levels, students benefit from working with a variety of materials, tools and contexts when constructing meaning about new mathematical ideas.
The learning environment should value and respect the diversity of students’ experiences and ways of thinking, so that students are comfortable taking intellectual risks, asking questions and posing conjectures.
Students need to explore problem-solving situations in order to develop personal strategies and become mathematically literate. They must realize that it is acceptable to solve problems in a variety of ways and that a variety of solutions may be acceptable.
Goals for students
The main goals of mathematics education are to prepare students to:
- solve problems
- communicate and reason mathematically
- make connections between mathematics and its applications
- become mathematically literate
- appreciate and value mathematics
- make informed decisions as contributors to society
Students who have met these goals:
- gain an understanding and appreciation of the role of mathematics in society
- exhibit a positive attitude toward mathematics
- engage and persevere in mathematical problem solving
- contribute to mathematical discussions
- take risks in performing mathematical tasks
- exhibit curiosity about mathematics and situations involving mathematics.
Teachers can assist students in attaining these goal by developing a classroom atmosphere that fosters conceptual understanding through:
- taking risks
- thinking and reflecting independently
- sharing and communicating mathematical understanding
- solving problems in individual and group projects
- pursuing greater understanding of mathematics
- appreciating the value of mathematics throughout history.
High school and beyond
Many students (and parents too) may approach you for your advice as to which mathematics courses should be taken in high school as they begin to explore their passions and career pathways. The following web pages offer detailed information about course selection and describe various options students can choose in high school.
You can also advise students and parents to:
- ask your school’s guidance or career counsellor for their advice.
- talk to people who are working in a student’s field of interest or who have similar goals.
- refer to the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)* website for the most recent information regarding mathematics requirements at post-secondary institutions and programs in Alberta.
*In some cases, not all post-secondary programs and institutions are listed. This site will be updated on a regular basis as new information is made available. It is always recommended that you check directly with post-secondary institutions about entrance requirements to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
