For+Parents


 * Letters to Parents** - these one page worksheets were developed by Alberta Education to help educate and provide information to parents regarding the revised math curriculum.
 * Do you know there is a new mathematics curriculum?
 * How can I help my child look forward to math?
 * How will mathematics be assessed?
 * Why is my child doing problem solving in math?
 * Why are elementary students studying algebra?
 * Why is my child talking so much during math?
 * What are “mental mathematics”?
 * What is number sense?
 * What are manipulatives?
 * How can literature support mathematics?
 * Personal strategies and formal algorithms

//From the Alberta Education Website://

1. How has Mathematics changed?
Alberta’s mathematics program reflects current research, developments and trends in mathematics education. Mathematical principles have not changed however the approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics and in some cases the topics of study have changed. For more information about the approach to teaching and learning as well as the topics of study, please see Alberta’s [|programs of study for Kindergarten to Grade 9 and Grades 10–12].

2. What are the advantages of the revised Mathematics program?
The revised mathematics program has a number of benefits for students at all grade levels by emphasizing in-depth conceptual understanding through more focused content. The revised programs of study offer students greater opportunities to develop mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills and to make connections between mathematics and its applications. The program also builds students’ confidence in their mathematical skills and appreciation of the subject.

3. When is the revised program being implemented?
The revised programs of study for Mathematics Kindergarten to Grade 12 (English and French) was implemented as follows: – September 2008 for Kindergarten and grades 1, 4 and 7;

– September 2009 for grades 2, 5 and 8;

– September 2010 for grades 3, 6, 9 and 10; and

– September 2011 for Grade 11. The new Grade 12 courses will begin implementation in September 2012.

4. Does the revised Mathematics program prepare my child for their future?
Care has been taken to ensure that there is a smooth transition between all grade levels. The new program is also designed to make it easier for students to move from Grade 9 to Grade 10 in mathematics. Once students are in high school, the courses they choose have been designed to prepare them for post-secondary studies including apprenticeship programs. With the new senior high school mathematics courses, students also have more transferability and flexibility among the [|course sequences].

5. How do I know which courses to take in high school?
Mathematics 10C – the 'C' stands for 'combined' – is the starting point for both the Mathematics -1 and Mathematics -2 course sequences in Grade 11 and 12. Other Grade 10 mathematics courses available are the new Mathematics 10-3 for students planning to enter the majority of trades or the workforce immediately after high school and the current Mathematics 10-4 (Knowledge and Employability). It is recommended that students explore their learning options by speaking with their mathematics teachers and guidance counselors to determine which course sequence to follow based on their interests and post-secondary pursuits.

6. Why is there a Grade 10 Combined Course?
The combined course in Grade 10 is the starting point for both the Mathematics -1 and Mathematics -2 course sequences. This course allows students more time to make decisions about which course sequence to study as they begin to identify their personal interests and post-secondary options. The combined course also eases transferability between the -1 and -2 course sequences should a student’s post-secondary goals change.

7. Are the new high school courses accepted by post-secondary institutions?
Post-secondary representatives were consulted and involved in the changes to the revised mathematics program.

You can visit the [|ALIS website] which lists the most recent information regarding mathematics requirements at post-secondary institutions in Alberta. At present, not all post-secondary programs and institutions have yet identified their requirements, however the 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 specific entrance requirements to their programs to ensure accuracy and completeness of this information.

8. How can I stay informed about the revised Mathematics program?
Anyone requiring updates about the mathematics program can visit our website. Students and parents are also encouraged to consult with the mathematics teachers in their local schools for additional information about the mathematics program.