Here are some proven strategies to draw on if you’re worried about progress in mathematics, along with some information to share with parents/whānau about how they can support mathematics learning at home.
Tools and supports if you’re worried about progress in mathematics
Strategies that are effective for accelerating learning in mathematics in class and online:
Information to share with parents/whānau:
Other resources
The NZMaths website has a wealth of information and resources relating to all areas of teaching mathematics and statistics. Visit the Accelerating Learning section for resources designed for students who need additional support to experience learning success in maths. A large collection of teaching resources for use with all students can be accessed through the Teaching material section, or by using the Resource Finder. There is a section called Learning at Home: Information for teachers which includes new weekly plans with both online and printable resources.
Communities of Mathematical Inquiry (DMIC) is recommended by The Best Evidence Synthesis as a teaching approach for supporting mathematics learning. This exemplar illustrates how two teachers developed teaching practices that proved highly effective for diverse learners. The teachers were working with year 4 to 6 students, most of whom were Māori or Pasifika.
Content resources available for mathematics learning on the Learning from Home website or through Papa Kāinga TV (on-demand programmes and lesson plans) offer learning opportunities you can use with your class or groups of students.
Additional support
The Programmes for Students website provides additional support for accelerating learning progress, including Accelerating Learning in Mathematics (ALiM) and Mathematics Support Teacher (MST) programmes.
If you feel stuck, please reach out to your education adviser in your regional Ministry of Education office or email curriculum@education.govt.nz.
Curriculum Progress Tools
The Progress and Consistency Tool (PaCT) enables you to track individual learner progress against the Learning Progression Framework. PaCT supports assessment for learning. It prompts you to notice the important aspects of students’ reading, writing and mathematics progress so you can calibrate your teaching response to their specific learning needs. Supports available to help you implement PaCT include:
- Team Member: Email Progress.Tools@education.govt.nz if you would like a team member to contact you to go over the supports available and how to access them.
- Support Schools Network: Peer to peer support for teachers and schools from proficient users of the curriculum progress tools. These users have experienced the benefits of the tools and have practice and implementation insights to share with you. Contact Progress.Tools@education.govt.nz if you would like to be put in touch with a member of our School Support Network.
- Online PLD: Online PLD sessions to support schools to implement or continue to develop use of the Curriculum Progress Tools. Contact Progress.Tools@education.govt.nz to ask about these free sessions.
If you are interested in using the curriculum progress tools, please contact the Education Service Desk on 0800 422 599 or email: service.desk@education.govt.nz.