Saskatchewan math education review wants parents' input

The Saskatchewan government wants to know what parents have to say about the province's mathematics curriculum, which is undergoing a review.

Parents and guardians have at least until the end of March to give their input on how math is being taught to their children, the Ministry of Education announced Monday.

The province appointed two MLAs, Russ Marchuk and Gene Makowsky, in December to review the math curriculum in light of concerns that were raised in recent months.

Critics have said the current curriculum abandons teaching math basics in favour of new discovery-based instructional techniques, producing graduates with abysmal math skills.

As part of the review, Marchuk and Makowsky held "dialogue sessions" with teachers over the past two months, the ministry said in a release.

"Having wrapped up the consultations with educators across Saskatchewan, we're confident that we have a good idea of their thoughts and opinions around the effective instruction of the math curriculum," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said in the release.

"Now, we want to hear from parents or guardians of students who are learning this math. What are the experiences and opinions of the parents and guardians whose children are bringing this math home?"

Parents and guardians who want to share their thoughts on Saskatchewan's math curriculum by visiting the ministry's website and clicking on the link to "Math Feedback."

Submissions can also be emailed to mathfeedback@gov.sk.ca, according to the province.