Literacy and Numeracy

Literacy and Numeracy is an Alberta Education Ministry Initiative.

To succeed in today’s data-driven and interconnected world, it is essential that all Alberta children develop strong literacy and numeracy skills.

We use literacy and numeracy every day when we interpret a utility bill, choose a cellphone plan, answer an email, post a message on social media, figure out how much paint to buy, compare prices at the grocery store or interpret a political cartoon.

life-long and active processes that begin at birth and develop throughout one’s lifetime
foundational to successful living, learning and participating in today’s society
used to make decisions that impact one’s life
the means through which students develop knowledge and understanding in each subject/discipline area
a shared responsibility of all K-12 educators in all subjects or disciplines

is critical in helping us make sense of our world. From the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, we are constantly making meaning of the world around us.

Literacy has traditionally been thought of as reading and writing. Although these are essential components of literacy, today our understanding of literacy encompasses much more. Alberta Education defines literacy as the ability, confidence and willingness to engage with language to acquire, construct and communicate meaning in all aspects of daily living. Language is explained as a socially and culturally constructed system of communication.

is critical for interpreting our data-driven world.

Alberta Education defines numeracy as the ability, confidence and willingness to engage with quantitative and spatial information to make informed decisions in all aspects of daily living. A numerate individual has the confidence and awareness to know when and how to apply quantitative and spatial understandings at home, at school, at work or in the community.

If you have a student that has needs in these areas, try these resources: