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PAGE A8THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, DECEMBER 12,2001 Public board 'cautiously pleased' with results PUBLIC from page I the test the students had never seen before. More important would be for the parents to go in and talk to the teacher to sec how their child is doing." Mr. Mackle said the numbers give the board information it can use to improve math scores. Forex- ample, he said the tests arc broken down even further into streams. Those results show' Grade 9 students students need extra attention in the area of problem solving, he said. "We arc going to meet with the principals of all high schools in the first week of January to review this and meet with the math curriculum chairman in each school. Our goal is to get these kids into Level 3," said Mr. Mackle. While he noted the separate board doesn't have the resources of larger boards in the Greater Toronto Toronto Area, he said extra help in math is available in all schools after classes arc over. "Some students make the choice to seek help while others don't. It would be good if the parents got involved involved to make sure their children seek extra help if needed," he said. Trudy Lum, a superintendent with the public board, said the board is "cautiously pleased with its initial review of the student response." response." She said the students who wrote the test had not been through the entire junior kindergarten to Grade 9 curriculum changes. In comparison, she said students who wrote the Grade 3 provincial tests scored between nine and 11 per cent higher when they wrote tests in Grade 6. "Acquisition of skills over time is important. The value of this test is useful in improving targets for schools to reach," she said. With a plethora of information about schools recently being released released to parents, Ms. Lum said parents should note the results of an international study released last week which showed Ontario students students are "up there" when compared compared to students from around the world. An EQAO press release advised that the new high school math curriculum, curriculum, introduced in 1999, is "at an early stage of implementation" and that it "builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the elementary elementary grades." Budget reaction BUDGET from page I technology to speed legitimate traffic while stopping those who would do our country harm." The federal government will also spend $646 million to speed up implementation implementation of pre-screening programs for frequent travellers, introduce state- of-the-art detection equipment and establish establish integrated border enforcement teams. They will also spend another $600 million to fund infrastructure projects projects that will facilitate cross-border trade in all parts of the country. 'The biggest impact on the manufacturing manufacturing sector is the improvements to the border," said Mr. Newman. "We import import the components and export the products. Getting goods across the border border is absolutely essential." Mr. Malcolmson agreed. "Having a functioning and efficient border is essential," he said. "Having an open border with free movement of goods and services across is paramount." paramount." However, Mr. Newman still sees trouble for our economy in the immediate immediate future. He said our strong link to the U.S., with exports making up 45 per cent of our gross national product, means we are dependant upon our American neighbours to turn our economy economy around. 'The U.S. slowdown sees them drawing back imports and that's a direct hit to our national economy," he said. "We're in the hands of our buyers," buyers," He added Canadian manufacturers need to be more competitive instead of allowing a depressed dollar -- making our exports attractive to the U.S. -- to take the place of improved productivity. Overall, Mr. Newman said the biggest boost the budget brings is to the security security manufacturers' sector, something that won't have a huge impact in this region. region. "Security equipment manufacturers, manufacturers, for the border, airports or airlines will see the biggest benefits," he said. 'The problem is we don't have much of that here in Durham." Meanwhile, Mr. Malcolmson hailed the budget's commitment to infrastructure infrastructure investment, 'brownfield' redevelopment redevelopment (previously developed land now vacant), education and apprenticeship apprenticeship tax credits, and security as key initiatives initiatives that could have a big impact on the Oshawa and Durham business community. community. 20off six month supply' : Formula 36C * Herbal formula enhances breast size, fullness * a beautiful ligure is as easyas... A-B-36C! 'cno coupon per purchase. Expires Jan. 01/0? yea* MAKE THIS YOUR LAST... with 'THrstqic s 5 00 OFF Feme-Plus ★ feel energized and symptom free all month long * reduces or eliminates P.M.S. 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