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Letter: We need new curriculum before students fall behind

New research shows that international math test scores nationwide are declining over a recent 15-year period. The Fraser Institute completed the study under the name, Math performance in Canada published April 8.
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New research shows that international math test scores nationwide are declining over a recent 15-year period. The Fraser Institute completed the study under the name, Math performance in Canada published April 8.

The institute says average math scores in Canada have been declining for years, well before COVID – and not just the Canadian average, but in all provinces. Given the strategic importance of math literacy in digital economies, this is disturbing news.

The study period is 2003 to 2018 (the latest data available) and shows that math scores declined the most in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. International world rankings show Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia scored significantly below Kores, Estonia, and the Netherlands in the 2018 results.

Quebec, traditionally, is the top performing province, followed by Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

The Fraser Institute summarized the math study by saying , “To avoid falling further behind other countries, and to regain lost ground due to COVID we must improve teaching and learning.” Ontario has already taken action with a “back to basics” redesign of its curriculum and teaching methods.

Jim Swan, Red Deer