FACTS MATTER: NDP’s changes to the Bachelor of Education a bust?

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Prior to the end of October, prospective early and middle-year teachers in Manitoba were required to have six credit hours in math, science, languages and a combined six in history and geography.

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The requirement for new teachers to specialize in one major and one minor from the list of teachable subjects has also been eliminated.

Why the change? Are we succumbing to accommodate our current low standards, or perhaps to the growing issue with math anxiety among students in Canada’s education systems? Is this another instance of lack of accountability among our provincial leaders?

Some worry that this will further impact our children’s incompetence in math compared to neighbouring provinces. Math, after all, is a part of everyday life.

The most recent iteration of the Pan-Canadian Assessment of Reading, Mathematics, and Science, which conducted random assessments of Grade 8 students across the country in 2019, indicates that the province remains positioned at or near the lowest ranks when compared to its Canadian counterparts.

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What effect can we expect on the future population if these stats aren’t remedied?

According to the National Library of Medicine, routinely practising math promotes healthy brain function. Let’s not forget its critical role in problem solving, and the big one — money.

Financial literacy is an incredibly important skill for adults to master and should be a prominent source of concern to our government. What would the next generation look like if it’s unable to budget, save money and keep their mortgages afloat?

“Use it or lose it,” we’ve heard that one before. Math — and your home — is no exception.

The province says these changes are increasing the number of teachers able to enter the field, filling teacher shortages, and bringing Manitoba in line with other provinces.

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“These regulatory amendments are necessary to be able to remove overly restrictive barriers that keep people from entering the profession,” said Tracy Schmidt who is acting as education minister in the medical absence of Nello Altomare.

“We have unprecedented levels of uncertified teachers working in the province. We are seeing gaps in the province in meeting the demand for teachers, specifically in rural and northern communities,” Schmidt said.

We’re encouraging students to become teachers, and new teachers to remain in the province, but what if they aren’t able to teach math correctly?

Anna Stokke, a University of Winnipeg mathematics professor, suggested that we provide good math instruction and make sure people actually understand what they’re learning. I agree. Perhaps additional funds could be allocated to support both teachers and students through a revised math program and support/tutoring.

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Stokke has consistently highlighted the concern regarding the diminishing mathematical abilities of students in Manitoba. In 2015, she was instrumental in persuading the former NDP government to raise the mandatory number of mathematics courses for prospective teachers from one to two.

“I’ve advocated for better math education for Manitoba children for about 15 years now, and I will say this is probably the most alarming thing I’ve seen in that entire time,” Stokke told reporters at the legislature on Nov. 6.

“And if teachers have math anxiety, they can pass that on to their students, so the key is to get good teachers in the classroom who aren’t afraid of math, who know math, who are comfortable with math and can explain it well,” she said.

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The University of Manitoba isn’t concerned that these changes will result in a negative impact on their students since they’re obligated to take at least one math course — or six credit hours — to receive their degree. The Manitoba Teachers Society also approves of the changes.

Is this change a quick fix, a loophole to secure enough bodies in every classroom while compounding the lack of quality education in the province? Unfortunately, only time will tell.

Neighbouring provinces haven’t needed to make such changes, and their population isn’t currently “bottom of the barrel” regarding math skills.

Given the likelihood that teachers in early and middle school will be required to teach math at some point, wouldn’t it make sense that they take a minimum of one or two mathematics courses before entering the field? That doesn’t seem excessive.

Perhaps a little additional funding to prioritize learning could be helpful. Like any other profession, isn’t it essential to have a strong understanding of what you teach?

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