Effective Strategies for Stronger Numeracy in Middle School Students

Abstract

Over the last five years, Alberta students in grades 6 and 9 who wrote the provincial achievement test in mathematics, over the last five years, have had stagnant scores. According to Education Minister David Eggen, the math results are not meeting expected standards and more than a quarter of Alberta sixth-graders and nearly a third of ninth graders failed the annual standardized math tests (Edmonton Journal 2016). Therefore, as the results show that scores have not improved in math, teachers need to take action. This paper outlines strategies and recommendations that teachers of math can use daily to improve their student’s numeracy skills, therefore improving on the provincial achievement tests in the process. Drawing on current research, this paper describes recommendations for these strategies; these strategies can be used by middle school teachers to help in their math classrooms daily. By using the strategies of (a) growth mindset, (b) number talks, (c) differentiated instruction, and (d) leveling/ability grouping, students will effectively have stronger numeracy skills.