WHAT IS NUMERACY? Numeracy is the ability to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts.

To be numerically literate, a person has to be comfortable with logic and reasoning. Some of the areas that are involved in numeracy include: basic numbers, orders of magnitude, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics.

Numeracy is a mastery of the basic symbols and processes of arithmetic:

y y y y y y y y

Numbers Addition Subtraction Simple multiplication Simple division Simple weights and measures Money counting Telling time

RELATED NUMERACY WITH NMC (http://www.acara.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Mathematics_Curriculum_ _Framing_Paper.pdf)

Mathematics curriculums around the world commonly consist of coherent sets of topics. Although there are some variations, the most common categorisatio ns of the basic content strands across the Australian jurisdictions in the compulsory years are: Number, Measurement, Space, Chance and data, and Algebra. For mathematical and pedagogical reasons, it is proposed that the national mathematics curriculum inc ludes three content strands: Number and algebra, Measurement and geometry, and Statistics and probability.

Number and algebra : In this content strand the concentration in the early years will be on number, and near the end of the compulsory years there wi ll be emphasis on algebra. Recent research has emphasised the connections between these aspects. An algebraic perspective can enrich the teaching of number in the middle and later primary years, and the integration of number and algebra, especially representations of relationships, can give more meaning to the study of algebra in the secondary years. This combination incorporates aspects described as pattern and/or structure and includes functions, sets and logic. Measurement and geometry : While there are some aspects of geometry that have limited connection to measurement, and vice versa, there are also topics in both for which there is substantial overlap, including newer topics such as networks. In many curriculums the term space is used to cover mathematical concepts of shape and location. Yet many aspects of location, for example maps, scales and bearings, are aligned with measurement, and the term geometry is more descriptive for the study of properties of shapes, and also gives prominence to lo gical definitions and justification. Statistics and probability : Although teachers are familiar with the terms data and chance , statistics and probability more adequately describe the nature of the learning goals and types of student activity. For example, it is not enough to construct or summarise data, it is important to represent, interpret and analyse it. Likewise,

probability communicates that this study is more than the chance that something will happen. The terms provide for the continuity of content to the end of the secondary years and acknowledge the increasing importance and emphasis of these aspects at all levels of study.

THE WAY TO HELP STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE THIS PROFIENCY

y y y y y

Approve student in math Be committed to the idea that all children can become proficient in math. Teach mathematics for a sufficient amount of time Organize and participate in study groups at your school that focus on teaching practice. Participate in conversations with students about developing proficiency and about students and their math proficiency.