November 26, 2024
The Honourable Jill Dunlop
Minister of Education
438 University Avenue, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
Dear Minister Dunlop,
The 2023-24 school year marked the introduction of the TDSB Math Achievement Action Plan — a comprehensive mathematics strategy — with targeted support for Math Learning Partner (MLP) schools (Math Priority Schools). To date, we are encouraged by the early positive impact of the MLP initiative in key areas. As outlined in the data below, with the use of Ministry funds, improvements in Grades 3 and 6 EQAO results show that the MLP initiative is beginning to yield results.
Positive gains were recorded across the 123 MLP schools from 2022-23 to 2023-24:
Today, I am writing to request increased funding to support the hiring of additional Math Learning Partners (Math Facilitators) in the 2024-25 school year to intensify support in MLP schools. We plan to continue refining these strategies and expanding their reach to support sustained progress in schools and require additional Ministry of Education funding to do so.
Additionally, the positive impact of de-streaming is evident in Grade 9 math, where the TDSB has outperformed the provincial average, reversing previous trends where streamed classes performed below the provincial standard. 2023-24 EQAO data shows that 56.4% of TDSB students met or exceeded the provincial standard (70% or above), demonstrating a positive reflection of ongoing efforts to support math achievement across the board.
It is our goal to continue this important work and to continue to see positive gains in math achievement in Grade 9. Today I am also requesting that funding be restored in the 2024-25 school year for staffing of de-streaming. If restored, the funding will be used to support the release of curriculum leaders to provide coaching within secondary math departments, increase professional learning offerings, and enhance appropriate tiered interventions for students as needed.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, I am available at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Chair, Toronto District School Board