Numeracy in Action

Eimear Mc CarthyLinda 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.

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:1. Numeracy team. 2. Maths department3. Whole staff -presentation and introduction to staff, we

did not want bombard or overwhelm staff.

How we Introduced Numeracy into St. Joseph’s Secondary School

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.

Gathering Data

Student Survey

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.

Students and Teachers in the Classroom

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.

JCSP Statements

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.

Numeracy Team and Meetings

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

Staff Involvement

SSE 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!!

School Self-Evaluation Folders

Sample Scheme of Work

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.

Activities and Support

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.

Have You Got Maths Eyes Project

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.

Involving Parents

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

Support

Retesting every year. Re-survey every year. Reviewing and comparing data. Reviewing targets and measures.

Measuring Progress

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.

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