Strengthening Student Success in Math: KCDSB’s 2025–2026 Math Achievement Action Plan
The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) has endorsed the 2025–2026 Math Achievement Action Plan, outlining clear and measurable steps to strengthen math teaching and learning across all schools.
Developed by Jordan Temple, KCDSB Math Lead and Vice-Principal at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys, the plan aligns with the Ministry of Education’s Taking Action in Mathematics framework and focuses on improving student achievement, teacher confidence, and consistency in math instruction.
“Our goal is to make math meaningful, measurable, and accessible for every learner,” said Temple. “We’re building on what’s working well and using data to guide our next steps. The focus is on improving teacher practice, understanding how students learn, and helping them gain confidence in math.”
Four Key Areas of Focus The plan is built around four key areas that guide math improvement across the system:
1.
Curriculum Fidelity: Ensuring instruction is consistent, intentional, and aligned with the Ontario math curriculum.
2.
Math Content Knowledge for Teaching: Equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to strengthen their own understanding and instructional practices.
3.
Knowing Your Student: Using classroom data to identify learning needs early and provide targeted supports.
4.
Measurable Results: Tracking progress through clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure strategies lead to improved outcomes.
“We have simplified our approach this year by focusing on fewer indicators that go deeper,” Temple explained. “This allows us to really see what is working and where we can continue to grow.”
Tools and Partnerships Driving Improvement A major focus for 2025–2026 is building capacity through innovative digital tools and strong partnerships that support both teaching and learning.
Educators are using MathUp and Knowledgehook to plan lessons, track student progress, and provide real-time feedback. These platforms also highlight common areas of difficulty, allowing teachers to adjust lessons and provide targeted support.
This year, KCDSB has introduced a new digital scope-and-sequence resource developed with generous support from Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board. The tool combines all curriculum expectations, lessons, activities, and assessments in one easy-to-use location, helping ensure alignment and efficiency across classrooms.
KCDSB is also expanding the Early Math Assessment (EMA) initiative, a partnership with Carleton University and Vretta, the company behind the EQAO assessments. The expansion now includes Grades 4 and 5, supporting earlier intervention and helping identify foundational numeracy skills before learning gaps widen.
“These partnerships are helping us work smarter,” said Temple. “When teachers have access to the right tools and consistent data, they can focus more on instruction and less on searching for resources.”
A Data-Driven Path Forward Throughout the school year, KCDSB will monitor progress through three key reporting checkpoints in November, March, and July. Data from classroom observations, teacher feedback, and diagnostic tools will guide professional learning and next steps.
As part of KCDSB’s commitment to Growing, Investing, and Engaging, the Math Achievement Action Plan represents a strong investment in both educator capacity and student success.
“This work is about more than numbers,” Temple said. “It’s about helping students build confidence, take risks, and find joy in learning math.”
