To: Rishi Sunak
Maths - prime minister - read this - dyscalculia exists
Implement an inclusive approach to maths to ensure universal screening for dyscalculia, much like what is proposed for dyslexia, as well as compulsory training for all maths teachers into how to support dyscalculic children and adults in their classroom.
Why is this important?
STATEMENT ON PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK’S ‘MATHS TO 18’ POLICY FROM DYSCALCULIA NETWORK
We, at the Dyscalculia Network, welcome the Prime Minister’s focus on the importance of numeracy skills.
However, we are worried by the absence of dyscalculia in discussions surrounding the stated plans to extend compulsory maths education to the age of 18.
6% of the UK population have dyscalculia. This means that around 1 million children and 2-3 million adults have a learning difference which means they cannot perform arithmetic like the rest of the population and struggle, for instance, to relate value with number, reading clocks and understanding time.
An inclusive approach to maths would ensure universal screening for dyscalculia, much like what is proposed for dyslexia, and compulsory training for all maths teachers into how to support dyscalculic children and adults in their classroom. It would also emphasise not only mathematical facts and processes but mathematical thinking.
Unfortunately, nothing has been mentioned by the Prime Minister or opposition parties about dyscalculia. This is deeply regretful.
We believe passionately that the answer to lowering numeracy skills is not more maths but targeted and contextualised numeracy that is tangible, relevant, and accessible. Real-life numeracy that can help people in their every-day lives. This includes approaches that can improve the lives of the many people in this country that have dyscalculia.
#Dyscalculia #dyscalculiaawareness #neurodivergent #mathsteacher
Not everyone is good at maths. Dyscalculia should have as much input as dyslexia.
We, at the Dyscalculia Network, welcome the Prime Minister’s focus on the importance of numeracy skills.
However, we are worried by the absence of dyscalculia in discussions surrounding the stated plans to extend compulsory maths education to the age of 18.
6% of the UK population have dyscalculia. This means that around 1 million children and 2-3 million adults have a learning difference which means they cannot perform arithmetic like the rest of the population and struggle, for instance, to relate value with number, reading clocks and understanding time.
An inclusive approach to maths would ensure universal screening for dyscalculia, much like what is proposed for dyslexia, and compulsory training for all maths teachers into how to support dyscalculic children and adults in their classroom. It would also emphasise not only mathematical facts and processes but mathematical thinking.
Unfortunately, nothing has been mentioned by the Prime Minister or opposition parties about dyscalculia. This is deeply regretful.
We believe passionately that the answer to lowering numeracy skills is not more maths but targeted and contextualised numeracy that is tangible, relevant, and accessible. Real-life numeracy that can help people in their every-day lives. This includes approaches that can improve the lives of the many people in this country that have dyscalculia.
#Dyscalculia #dyscalculiaawareness #neurodivergent #mathsteacher
Not everyone is good at maths. Dyscalculia should have as much input as dyslexia.
