Curriculum Overview
Background
During the last half-century, there has been a tremendous increase in mathematical knowledge. This is due to the collective influence of the growth of technology, the expansion of applications of mathematics, and the steady transition from an industrial to an information society. Consequently there is a need for a change in the goals of mathematics education for all students.
In order to meet the challenges of society, high school graduates must be mathematically literate. They must understand how mathematical concepts permeate daily life, business, industry, government, and our thinking about the environment. They must be able to use mathematics not just in their work lives, but also in their personal lives as citizens and consumers.
The Kindergarten to Grade 12 Mathematics curriculum is designed to support and promote the understanding that mathematics is
- a way of learning about our world
- part of our daily lives
- both quantitative and geometric in nature, with both aspects being equally important in the development of mathematical literacy.
In addition, mathematics and its study encourages the development of
- creative thinking
- logical thinking
- problem-solving skills
- data analysis skills
- co-operative interaction.
Goals for Students
The goals that guide K – 12 mathematics have been influenced by the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989); and its updated version, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000). Additionally, the K – 12 mathematics curricula for Manitoba schools are aligned with the Common Curriculum Framework for K – 12 Mathematics (1995) prepared by the western Canadian provinces and territories under the Western and Northern Canadian Protocol for Collaboration in Basic Education.
Students should
- use mathematics confidently to solve problems
- exhibit a positive attitude toward mathematics
- communicate mathematically
- appreciate and value mathematics and its contribution to civilization
- reason mathematically
- develop proficiency in basic skills and an understanding of fundamental concepts
- become proficient users of technology
- commit themselves to lifelong learning
- become mathematically literate adults, using mathematics to contribute to society.
The 1995 Common Curriculum Framework for K – 12 Mathematics is currently being revised. For an updated version visit the Western and Northern Canadian Protocol website. The Manitoba timeline for implementation (see Manitoba Implementation Schedule (
15 KB)), was sent to schools in February 2006.
The Structure of Mathematics
Students of mathematics, regardless of age or experience, are challenged to do mathematics in contexts that are new to them. The K-12 Manitoba mathematics curriculum is organized by grade and the four strands of Patterns and Relations; Statistics and Probability; Shape and Space; Number. The integration of concepts, skills and procedures is critical to the success of students to achieve the goals of mathematics as outlined above.
The following chart illustrates the relationship between the strands, the mathematical processes and the nature of mathematics.
- Patterns and Relations (PR)
- Patterns
- Variables and Equations
- Relations and Functions
- Statistics and Probability (SP)
- Data and Analysis
- Chance and Uncertainty
- Shape and Space (SS)
- Measurement
- 3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes
- Transformations
- Number (N)
- Number Concepts
- Number Operations
Change, Constancy, Dimension (size and scale), Number, Pattern, Quantity, Relationships, Shape, Uncertainty
and
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
to outline
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes about Mathematics
Problem Solving, Communication, Estimating, and using Mental Mathematics, Making Connections, Reasoning, Unsing Technology, Visualizing
Parent Reports
Math Matters: A Parent Report on What’s New in Math (1999)
This report highlights some features of Manitoba’s mathematic curriculum frameworks and describes many ways parents can help their child learn and use mathematics in the home.
Helping Your Child Learn Math: A Parent’s Guide
This parent guide identifies important steps in developing numeracy skills and suggests activities parents and children can engage in to help build a foundation for mathematics.
Curriculum Information for Parents
This site provides parents with information about what children are learning in compulsory subject areas.
Post-Secondary Acceptance of Senior Years Mathematics