PR1ME MATHEMATICS

Leading the implementation of PR1ME at TES

Last year we bagan the two year trial of PR1ME Maths at our school. The decision came from achievement results as well as reviews from principals and schools which have trialed the programe as well as Lester Flockton's review. Check out my readings to find out more about PR1ME.

Taking on the lead teacher role of PR1ME is something I am passionate about and as a result would have loved to base my inquiry around PR1ME maths if we had not been directed to base it around the COL's goals.

I was fortunate to working for Scholastic when they were launching PR1ME to NZ. I found this the research really identified how poorly NZ kids are achieving in Mathematics. Looking at the data it is clear that Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong are well above NZ and Australia. I have often had doubts with the way the Numeracy project was thrust upon us and I believe Wayne's reading highlights that we should be changing our teaching of Maths.

Scholastic have released the second major review of PRIME Mathematics by highly regarded education specialist, Lester Flockton. PRIME Maths is a genuine alternative to the Numeracy Project and has been adopted by schools across the country looking for a solution for students not achieving their maths potential.

Flockton has set out very clear messages to New Zealand teachers in his review and challenged them to take another look at the maths achievement of their students. PRIME has greatly impressed teachers who have taken it up because of its strong foundations and coverage, the clarity of the guided pathway it sets out for learners, and its support for teachers looking to help their classes succeed.

My Journey in this role has meant I have had regular meetings with Management and staff to upskill and provide the latest information. I have made regular contact with the Educational Manager at Scholastic to ensure any supplementary chapters are included in our school's scheme.

The main challenges has been phasing out individual learning journeys based around NumP and coming up with new ones which we can align with the levels. As we are in the process of transitioning our Maths scheme it has meant a review of our Curriculm Delivery Plan as well as identifying Assessment tools to help guide teacher's OTJs.

PR1ME implementation is a journey and I have tried to make contact with other schools to organise a catch up and discuss the journeys each school has taken.