Many parents and teachers are fearful of math. They do not feel confident in their mathematical knowledge or skills. This undermines the numeracy of our students, who fear math rather than take pleasure in it. We need to enable educators and parents to help students use mathematics with confidence and fluency.

Recent changes in teacher education in Ontario mean that two years of professional development are now required to become a teacher. We need to use this time to ensure these new educators are prepared and confident in the mathematics they will teach. And we need to provide training and support for the teachers in the system so they will improve their teaching of mathematics.

Parents struggle with their children’s homework, especially in math. They need the tools to help their children succeed at school and to make their household more numerate. We will close the numeracy gap when we bring math home and make it part of everyday interactions.