Our School Improvement Plan

Numeracy: Problem-Solving

Summary of main strengths as identified in last SSE on (specify date): 2014 - 2015

·         Dedicated, enthusiastic and progressive team of teachers.

·         A number of staff members (7) actively participate on dedicated Numeracy Committee. 

·         Designated staff member as LINK teacher for Numeracy (Annette).                                                                           

·         Diligent and supportive Board of Management.

·         A comprehensive school plan for Mathematics – to be reviewed in light of SSE.

·         Detailed individual teachers’ planning, both long-term and short-term.

·         Effective teaching, classroom management and assessment.

·         Concrete and illustrative materials used effectively in teaching.

·         Practical work is accompanied by wide discussion.

·         Tables and algorithms are revised regularly.

·         Children’s written Mathematics is presented neatly.

·         The children enjoy the wide programme.               

·         Positive, affirmative feedback from Parent and Pupil Surveys.

Summary of main areas requiring improvement as identified in last SSE:

N/A

Improvement targets (related to pupils’ achievement)

Knowledge: Improve by 5%, from 42 to 47, the overall percentage of pupils solving word problems correctly. Quantitative data based on results of Sigma-T.

Skills: Applying & Problem-Solving and Communicating & Expressing. Use of Tracker Pupils*.

Attitude: Increase by 5%, from 75 to 80, the number of pupils indicating that they like maths. Qualitative data.

*Benchmark 30 Tracker Pupils, Senior Infants to Fifth Class, using an amended version of PDST Analysed Problem-Solving Rubric. Tracker pupils will be selected using those with the lowest percentile within the STEN bands of 5, 6 and 7.

Required actions (related to teaching and learning that will help to achieve the targets)

3 days’ attendance at PDST Seminars on SSE Numeracy.

PDST in-school support.

Have used PDST SSE Staff Review Document – Best Practice in Problem-Solving.

Numeracy Committee engages in ongoing development/review of SIP.

Introduction of Busy at Maths Scheme throughout school.

Acquire additional, appropriate concrete materials/resources for classes.

Acquired Ready, Set, Go - Maths x 3 Kits

Teachers provided with 5 PDST Maths Manuals -  A. Fractions, B. Place Value, Decimals and Percentages,  C. and  D. Mental Maths ( +, - , x and ÷ ) and E. Shape and Space.

Increased/renewed emphasis on Maths Skills of Curriculum.

Provide sample copies of Maths Eyes.

ICT – Busy at Maths Digital elements, Mathletics for all pupils until November 2016, nrich maths.org and nzmaths.co.nz and helpmykidlearn.

RUCSAC ( Read Understand Choose Solve Answer Check ) approach to problem-solving.

Compile Problem-Solving Packs for class groupings / Infant Classes - Noreen, First/Second – Elma, Third/Fourth – Orla and Fifth/Sixth – Annette.

All teachers to use Mathematical Language as outlined in Busy At Maths Scheme.

Agree specific language for Tables.

Amend Plean Matamaitice accordingly.

Persons responsible

Principal

Numeracy LINK Teacher

Numeracy Committee

Timeframe for action

Three (3) years

Success criteria / measurable outcomes

Improvement in the overall percentage of pupils solving word problems correctly. Quantitative data based on results of Sigma-T.

Increase in the number of pupils indicating that they like maths. Qualitative data.

Increased opportunity for pupils to use the skills of Applying & Problem-Solving and Communicating & Expressing. Particular focus on skills improvement of Tracker Pupils

Feedback from class teachers.

Review dates

June 2016

June 2017

June 2018