Early Numeracy March 4, 2011 Fort la Bosse School Division

-Fort la Bosse is geographically quite large spanning an area of in excess of 2500 square kilometeres. -11 schools in 5 communities and including 2 colony schools. -less than 1400 students and approximately 115 teachers (fte). -Our schools range in size from less than 20 to 350. ( map courtesy of Manitoba Education )

The early numeracy journey had it’s humble beginnings even prior to this Provincial Grant allocation. A couple of interested educators attended a few key inservices including Jim Martland, Doug Clark and John Van de Walle. Once the formal grant allocation was distributed, this was the opportunity for our own local Early Numeracy Committee to evolve.

-For our division, this grant drives about $6000 per year which for some divisions would be insignificant, but for Fort la Bosse, this allowed for seed money to invite Fort la Bosse early years teachers to come together to expand their knowledge and better support students in their numeracy journey. -Open call went out to all Early Years Schools, and a committee was formed. Initially, the committee’s goals were to become more numerate themselves, as well as develop a Diagnostic Tool to better track individual student growth.

This grant continues to provide much needed professional development for all early years teachers. Whether that be YAG Sessions (subs/mileage), Brandon University Sponsored Sessions (registrations/subs/mileage) –Sandy Margetts has been a great support in this area bringing in a variety of Numeracy experts such as Kathy Fosnot, Brian Tickle etc. Membership is supported to NCTM as well as online memberships to the valuable publication, Teaching Children Mathematics

We have been able to send a team of educators to International Math Conferences in such locations as Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota Although we have a core nucleus of educators that have remained on this committee since it’s inception, the demographics have changed in recent years and we are perpetually supporting new teachers, in particular with training on our Diagnostic Tool. Provide substitute support so teachers can have the pullout time to utilize the Diagnostic Tool and be videoed during the process.

Purchase hands on manipulatives, kits, professional resources etc. that couldn’t be purchased with school based dollars. Provide First Steps in Math Training (k-12) to any math educators on a first come first serve basis for past 3 years. Allow mentoring and peer visitations to other classrooms. Develop an in-house Diagnostic Tool Level A(ages 5- 7), Level B(ages 7-9), Intervention Strategies and all resources to accompany them.

This grant has ignited a passion for numeracy unlike any we have seen before. Although supported financially locally, this passion has evolved into Middle and Senior Years, and this group of educators are now not just begrudgingly accepting this change in practice, but embracing it. PLC’s for middle and senior years have developed. Teachers and student classrooms are immersed in activity, debate, problem based, cooperative group situations. Our classrooms are driven by research based best practice.

Teachers and students alike are thinking numerately and utilizing the calculator on their shoulders, more than the one in their desk. Teachers are truly spiraling the curriculum, rather than unit by unit. Parents are becoming informed of changing practice through parent nights and take home bags. Teachers themselves have become the best advocates of change…..no mandates required….they are leading the change.

Teachers that are willing and open to change, respectful and professional dialogue is occurring, and an urgency exists to better support our students. Students whom are now getting the right answers for the right reasons---less rule followers. Students that are willing to take a risk, and a belief in themselves that they are a learner and can “do math”. And as Divisional Consultant, I just take on the role of facilitator.

I only see this passion continuing to grow and evolve….in early years and beyond. It is now an expectation that in Fort la Bosse, that being better informed regarding numeracy, is a given. Through these Provincial dollars, and the support of the Provincial Department Consultants….numeracy and our Early Numeracy Committee is now a fixed part of our culture in Fort la Bosse, and one that I do not see leaving anytime soon.

If anyone has any questions, or would like to reach me: