Media Release from the Society for Quality Education

Math Education Just Doesn’t Add Up!

College bound students not prepared for math success

Toronto, February 12, 2008

The Society for Quality Education expressed grave concern over the results reported in the Seneca College-led College Mathematics Project (CMP) study that was released today.  The study found that 34 percent of first semester mathematics students are at risk of not completing their chosen program of study.

Considering that mathematic skills are an essential requirement of all college technical and business programs, as well as some general programs, the result of this mathematics preparedness study is quite disturbing. “What should be more disconcerting to the general public is that four of the six colleges participating in the study have remedial math courses for incoming students,” said Doretta Wilson, SQE Executive Director. “A significant portion of Ontario high school graduates is obviously not well prepared for a post-secondary technical education. We’re not talking about integral calculus at this point—it’s basic arithmetic skills that are lacking.”

The Society for Quality Education has been long advocating a return to high school exit exams to ensure that students graduate with required skills. Colleges and universities should be confident that incoming students are able to meet the requirements of post-secondary education. Wilson asked, “What are our kids not learning that they need to learn? Is there too much of a dependence on calculators so that essential fundamental skills are not properly acquired? These are questions that need answering.”

The Society for Quality Education is dedicated to the significant improvement of student learning in Canada . We invite the public to visit our web-site www.societyforqualityeducation.org to learn more.

-30-