There is a real gap between students’ numeracy when they leave high school and what they need to know to succeed in their careers. Research at the college level has shown that 1/3 of the students who take math do not have the skills needed for their programs. There must be more coordination between the different levels of education and a culture of numeracy must be integrated into all of them.

Relatively few students, those entering the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), require advanced mathematics, however, all students require strong numeracy skills.

Some of these students will apply these in career or occupation-specific contexts, such as business, health care, social services, or teaching. But all require them for everyday living, including personal finance, leisure activities and parenting.
Numeracy for all is therefore key to Ontario’s future and to that of its citizens