From the Editor
A real concern exists in Canada regarding the low level of mathematics achievement of many of our students. As usual in situations like this, the search is on for someone to blame. However, pinpointing the blame is not simple. As educators, we must look at what can be done in the schools to improve the situation.
Many people contend that students’ final achievement in mathematics is largely determined by how they succeed in the primary and elementary grades. Many students leave Grade 6 with the attitude that mathematics is difficult and uninteresting, and they see little practical use for it.
Primary and elementary teachers have difficult assignments when they are expected to teach practically all subjects to their students. It is unreasonable to expect them to be experts in all areas. However, there is general opposition to having subject specialists, for example, where one teacher teaches mathematics to several grades. Therefore, to overcome the problem, each elementary school should have a designated mathematics leader, a person who is particularly skilled in mathematics education, to serve as a resource person for the other teachers. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has long supported this concept, as is evident from the following position paper. As teachers, we should encourage the appointment of mathematics leaders within our schools.
Art Jorgensen
From the Editor
Art Jorgensen
Mathematics Leaders in Elementary/Middle Schools
NCTM
Math Fare
Annual Conference
Regional Services Committee Report
Dick Kopan
Alberta High school Mathematics Competition
The Right Angle
Elementary Mathematics Update
Florence Glanfield
Dates to Remember
President’s Message
Bob Hart
Publications Director’s Report
John Percevault
Measurement Questions to Talk and Think About
Anne Carlyle
Conic Chop Suey
Eddie Chan
MCATA Executive 1991/92
