Best Practices
7, 8 and 9 Mathematics
Intent of the Document
This document is intended to be used by mathematics teachers as a tool to aid them in the consideration of
three areas:
 Organization of the mathematics classroom
 Planning and preparation of quality mathematics learning experiences
 Ongoing mathematics assessment and instruction
Teacher use of this Document
Teachers should review the various sections, considering their current practice. Based on this, teachers
should identify areas of strength, and areas they will further develop and explore. This kind of reflection
should then lead to conversations among mathematics teachers, and between teachers and administrators.
Actions, as well as supports needed, can also be identified individually and collaboratively. This document
acts as a target describing what a mathematics classroom and program “looks like”.
Administrator use of this Document
Administrators have a supplementary but important role when it comes to using this document. First,
administrators are asked to share and discuss this document with all mathematics teachers.
Second, administrators need to be familiar with the contents of this document as it defines expected
classroom practice. This document is not intended to be used in its current form by administrators for
performance appraisal. It does provide background information that might be found useful for that purpose.
For a sample classroom walkthrough template see the document P-12 Mathematic Classroom Walkthrough.
It is important to note that nothing in this document (P-12 Mathematics Classroom Walkthrough or Some
Guiding Questions for Mathematics: P-12 Discussion and Planning) should be used by an administrator until they
have been shared with teachers.
It is hoped that this document will also be used as the catalyst for professional discussion among
mathematics teachers, and between teachers and administrators. The role of the administrator in this situation
is that of recognition, encouragement, and support. Administrators need to provide recognition for areas of
strength and offer support and encouragement in areas of need. This support may be offered personally by
the administrator or by connecting the teacher with other mathematics teachers, mentors, or consultants.
*Adapted from AVRSB P-12 Mathematics: Synopsis of Best Practice
Acknowledgements
This document has been prepared for use by Tri-County Regional School Board Mathematics teachers,
grades 7 to 9, and administrators in those schools.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals in the preparation of this
mathematics document:
Raquel Thompson, Lead Math Mentor, Tri-County Regional School Board
Amanda Deane, Math Mentor and Teacher, Digby Regional High School
Elizabeth Thomas, Math Mentor and Teacher, Saint Mary’s Bay Academy
Ruth-Anne Lawrence, Math Mentor and Teacher, Maple Grove Education Centre
Cheryl Bourque-Wells, Math Mentor and Teacher, Drumlin Heights Consolidated School
Patsy Height-Lewis, Mathematics Consultant P-12, Tri-County Regional School Board
Karen Muise, Administrative Assistant, Tri-County Regional School Board
Documents of Reference:
P-12 Mathematics Synopsis of Best Practice, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board and Nova Scotia
Provincial Mathematics Lead Team.
Some Guiding Questions for Mathematics P-12 Discussion, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board and
Nova Scotia Provincial Mathematics Lead Team.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (1999-2010).Atlantic Canada Mathematics Curriculum Guides:
Grades 7-9. Halifax, NS: Author.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (1996). Foundation of the Atlantic Canada Mathematics Curriculum.
Halifax, NS: Author.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (2010). Mathematics 7: A Teaching Resource. Halifax, NS: Author.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (2005). Mathematics 8: A Teaching Resource. Halifax, NS: Author.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (2005). Mathematics 9: A Teaching Resource. Halifax, NS: Author.
Nova Scotia Department of Education. (2004). A Time to Learn Strategy. Halifax, NS: Author.