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Numeracy in Action. Eimear Mc Carthy Linda Dunleavy. We will look at how numeracy was introduced in the school and how we went about implementing the plan, as a whole school collaborative approach. How we Introduced Numeracy into St. Joseph’s Secondary School.
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Numeracy in Action Eimear Mc Carthy Linda Dunleavy
We will look at how numeracy was introduced in the school and how we went about implementing the plan, as a whole school collaborative approach.
How we Introduced Numeracy into St. Joseph’s Secondary School • Numeracy Link Teacher was chosen (not a post in the school). • Core Numeracy Team consists of staff members who are organised and willing to execute tasks efficiently. • Team is comprised of various teaching departments. • The process began with buy in from: • Numeracy team. • Maths department • Whole staff -presentation and introduction to staff, we did not want bombard or overwhelm staff.
Gathering Data • We used the SSE templates to help us create attitudinal surveys. • Google docs was recommended – However a Gmail account is required. • Survey Monkey was used in St. Joseph’s. • Student surveys and parent survey • Analysis of state exam results • Analysis of STEN • Access Maths testing • From these results were identified strengths and weaknesses.
Students and Teachers in the Classroom In order to achieve targets realistic measures had to be put in place. • From Sept 2013 all 1st year students were required to have the same calculator (SHARP EL-W531). • Common tests across all departments. • Clock and Calendar in every classroom. • Walls are numeracy rich with posters and students work. • Maths week – Daily puzzles and poster competition, also visit to National Concert Hall • Returning tests as a fraction – students are to work out their own percentages • Homework – students who are underachieving or do not have support at home are recommended for Homework club or afterschool study.
JCSP Statements • All schools can access the online JCSP resources. • 3 Cross Curricular Numeracy statements were chosen: 1st year - Measurement of Time. 2nd year - Measurement of Length and Distance. 3rd year - Basic Research and Statistics.
Numeracy Team and Meetings • The numeracy team meet on a regular basis – using Croke Park hours. • Other times are during in house exam time and transition year work experience weeks. • Minutes are taken at all meetings – an agenda is always in place, as time can be limited. • At times when management cannot attend meetings, the numeracy link person always liaises with them. • Minutes are always emailed to management. • Management informs Board of Management about the progress of numeracy in the school. • We were also invited to present our findings and results from our surveys and testing to the Board of Management.
Staff Involvement • A key point to remember is not to overwhelm the staff. • SSE folders were created for each subject department. • Drop Box is used regularly with staff and management. Avoids breakdown in communication. • A Numeracy Guide is kept in staff room at all times for staff to refer to if they have any queries
School Self-Evaluation Folders • Are kept in Principals office. • Schemes of work to be updated in a digital format, all schemes to have the same format and include provision for numeracy and literacy. • JCSP Statements are included – subject related and numeracy cross-curricular. • Checklist for numeracy and literacy. • Analysis of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert results. • Subject Specific numeracy planning and 10 key numeracy words in their subject area – Keep it simple for teachers!!
Activities and Support • The maths department created activities and saved them on the school server where all teachers have access to them. • Whole school involvement with puzzles of the day and posters and photograph competition. • Transition year students created maths trails for 2nd year students. • Six week link programme was created with local National school, around the language of problem solving.
Have You Got Maths Eyes Project • Our next step was to run a whole school initiative. • We decided to begin with the ‘Have You Got Maths Eyes’ project. Students discover the maths eyes around them, and things they see everyday.
Involving Parents • To engage parents, we felt it was vital to inform them of the numeracy process. • We sent a letter to parents informing them of the Numeracy strengths identified from our data • We notified parents of three measures we were implementing to affirm good practice and identify areas that merit improvements, in order to achieve targets. • Management met with Parents Association and introduced our numeracy plan. • During open evening we had a room dedicated to Numeracy.
Support • Support from management is a key factor is setting up a successful Numeracy Plan. • Also support from PDST, and numeracy link training. • Parents and Board of Management also of great importance. • Work Colleagues • Time factor – management were generous with facilitating time allocation. • No Financial support was needed, unless a school is looking to purchase membership of Survey Monkey. • Numeracy Plan can be carried out with limited finances
Measuring Progress • Retesting every year. • Re-survey every year. • Reviewing and comparing data. • Reviewing targets and measures.
Top Tips for success • Keep targets minimal and achievable. • Don’t overwhelm staff but ensure a whole school collaborative approach – Numeracy is everyone’s responsibility. • There must be excellent communication between the link teacher, management, staff and board of management. • Increase communication with parents. • Numeracy key words must be incorporated in all subjects. • Set out a timeline – don’t do too much at once.
