We are deeply committed to strengthening mathematics education for every student, in every classroom. To support this, the TDSB has introduced the Mathematics Achievement Action Plan, a system-wide approach that ensures all math classes should be inclusive of all backgrounds and (dis)abilities, create excitement and foster a love of mathematics, be collaborative spaces of problem posing and problem solving, and hold the highest expectations for student learning and achievement.
Math improvement efforts are centered on the implementation of High-Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics, building math content knowledge for teaching, ensuring fidelity of curriculum implementation, and providing relevant and responsive mathematical tasks, interventions and supports. To support these efforts in the TDSB, Secord Elementary is bringing the plan to life in 3 areas:
1. Implementing the Curriculum with Proven Strategies
Our teachers are engaged in ongoing professional learning to implement the math curriculum with fidelity. We use high-impact teaching strategies that are rooted in research and proven to help all students grow. These include:
- Building Thinking Classrooms, which encourages small flexible group collaboration, deep thinking, and math conversations grounded in problem solving
- MathUP: a comprehensive online mathematics instructional program created by educator Marian Small
- Mathology, an online platform with engaging, curriculum-aligned resources that provide representation of the diverse learner
- Jump Math, an evidence-based resource that builds understanding step-by-step
- KnowledgeHook, a tool that boosts student confidence while identifying learning needs
2. Strengthening Teacher Knowledge with Data-Driven Focus
We believe that strong teaching begins with strong understanding. That’s why we are supporting our educators to grow their own math knowledge using real-time data about our students. Our staff analyze:
- EQAO results to find trends and set priorities
- School-based assessment data to track student progress in team planning sessions
- The Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT5™), a reliable assessment that helps us monitor and respond to students' math skill development
3. Knowing the Mathematics Learner
Every learner is unique—and we use multiple sources of data, including demographics and student voice, to understand how best to support each child. We are guided by initiatives like:
- Aanse: Indigenous Student Well-Being and Achievement – Mathematics Learning Initiative, which promotes culturally relevant learning opportunities
- Achievement with Equity, where we focus on eliminating barriers for students from historically underserved communities
- Differentiated Instruction and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), which help us personalize instruction for students working at different levels
Our goal is to close gaps, and help all students feel empowered in math.
We know that when students feel confident, supported, and challenged in mathematics, they are more likely to succeed—not just in school, but in life. We’re excited about the progress already underway at Secord and look forward to working in partnership with families to support every learner’s math journey.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers in Math
Please visit the TDSB Math site to Support Parents and Caregivers here.