Introducing the Numeracy
continuum K-10
During this session, you will …..
• discuss what is numeracy
• consider the importance of numeracy within the new NSW K-10
syllabuses
• learn about the key features of the print and interactive numeracy
continuum
• discuss how the Numeracy continuum K-10 can support teaching at
a whole school level and at a classroom level and be used to
monitor student progress.
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
What is numeracy?
• What do you think numeracy is? Discuss with a partner.
• The syllabus states that numeracy involves drawing on
knowledge of particular contexts and circumstances in
deciding when to use mathematics, choosing the
mathematics to use and critically evaluating its use.
• To be numerate is to use mathematics effectively to meet
the general demands of life at home and at work and for
participation in community and civic life.
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
Numeracy in the new NSW syllabuses
Numeracy is one of the seven general capabilities in each of the new NSW
K-10 syllabuses. Students become numerate as they develop the
confidence, willingness and ability to apply mathematics in their lives in
constructive and meaningful ways.
It is important to address the mathematical language used within the
content of each syllabus.
Knowledge of the Numeracy continuum
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
Research underpinning the Numeracy continuum
• The Numeracy continuum K-10 developed from the Count Me In Too
Learning Framework in Number.
• It represents a synthesis of extensive national and international
research over the past 20 years.
• The continuum underpins State developed numeracy programs
including Best Start, Targeted Early Numeracy (TEN), Count Me In
Too (CMIT), Counting On and Taking Off With Numeracy (TOWN).
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
What is the Numeracy continuum?
• The Numeracy continuum
describes how students
progress from using simple to
increasingly sophisticated
strategies in order to solve
number and measurement
problems.
• It supports teachers’
understanding of how students
develop numeracy concepts by
providing an explicit framework
of students’ strategies and
understandings across critical
aspects of numeracy.
An overview of the Numeracy continuum K-10
Read the pamphlet,
An overview of the Numeracy
continuum K-10 and discuss with a
partner the list of suggested ways
that the continuum can be used to
support teaching.
Which points from the list are you
already implementing without using
the continuum?
. How could the continuum support
these areas in the future?
How could you use the continuum to
support other areas on the list?
Supporting students’ numeracy learning
Where is the student now?
How do I know?
How will I know that the
student has
progressed?
Where does the student
need to go next?
How will I support the student to move
there?
Discuss how the continuum can be used to support the teaching and
learning cycle.
The Numeracy continuum website
http://numeracycontinuum.com/
Introduction to the interactive Numeracy continuum
http://www.numeracycontinuum.com/
What have you learnt?
• Return to the Know, Want to know, Learnt
proforma.
• Add further comments to the Learnt column.
• Share your recordings with a partner or the
whole group.
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre
Exploring the Numeracy continuum
To explore the Numeracy continuum in greater depth, view the
resource, Using the numeracy continuum with the new Mathematics K10 syllabus.
http://www.tale.edu.au/tale/live/teachers/shared/BC/using_continuum.pdf
NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre