THUNDER BAY — A.J. Keene has a new title behind his name.
The superintendent of education at Lakehead Public Schools will be leading efforts to improve students results in mathematics.
Keene’s interest in the new role is in line with his background in math.
“I have [curriculum writing experience], I have written for textbooks. I worked a year for the [Ministry of Education] writing math resources," Keene said. "It's been an area of focus for me in education ever since I left the classroom.”
In April the province unveiled an investment of more than $180 million to help students build math, reading skills and knowledge, which included introducing one math lead per board to spearhead the implementation of the curriculum and standardize training, as well as providing additional supports for math coaches in the classrooms.
With Keene now the superintendent of education leading mathematics, the board in June announced the appointment of Heather Harris as a superintendent of education leading early years education, along with other portfolios.
“I applaud the ministry at really narrowing their focus and identifying what is important to them in schools, specifically reading, writing and mathematics at the elementary level,” Keene added.
“Ultimately our goal is to have every student succeed [within] Lakehead Public Schools," he said. "We are looking to raise our scores, and achievement levels in mathematics to the point where they're on par with the rest of the province.”
Keene noted that there are struggles with test scores not only within the public board, but across Northern Ontario.
He’s hoping to see students emerge from school confident in their ability to do math.
“What we are looking for is [for students to] feel comfortable as mathematicians, and have the proper skills to be able to address the everyday math challenges that everyone faces, whether that's part of their job or organizing their day or figuring out how to schedule a gathering or a party or something like that," Keene said.
"There's math [in] everything we do and I don't like the idea that that kids grow into adults who are intimidated by math, and will say things like ‘I'm not a math person.'”
