The Ontario government is trying to boost students’ skills in reading, writing, and math.
The province plans to hire nearly 1000 teachers for specialized math and literacy programs as part of a 180-million dollar announcement made on Sunday.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the money will support one math lead per school board to spearhead math curriculum implementation and standardize training, and provide additional supports for math coaches in the classrooms. The government also plans to double the number of school math coaches in classrooms to provide direct support to teachers and students.
The province is also investing $109 million in 2023-24 to help more young students build stronger reading skills. The government says new early reading screening requirements for all students in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 2, along with a standardized and fully funded screening tool and training for educators, will ensure students receive foundational skills and early interventions in reading.
The government also plans to introduce an overhauled language curriculum in September of 2023 with an emphasis on ensuring students at an early age can master basic literacy.