The Portage la Prairie School Division is increasing their focus on Math, and Aboriginal education next year. At this week's board meeting they approved increasing both the positions of numeracy coach, and Aboriginal academic achievement coordinator from a half-time position to full-time. Assistant Superintendent Mike Mauws notes the increased focus in those areas comes from what's being seen at the provincial level.

"Manitoba education over the last few years has been focusing across the province in a couple of areas. Numeracy is one of them, literacy, aboriginal education, and career and skills development. The division has tried to also focus on providing supports and professional development in those areas."

The division first hired their numeracy coach --Patti Lawrence-- last year as a part-time staff member. However, the Academic Aboriginal Achievement Coordinator has been a part of the division since 2011. Mauws notes the decision to increase Jill Fast's position to full time comes as the focus on Aboriginal history and perspectives become more prevalent within Manitoba.

"There's a focus in the province on Aboriginal education and providing a curriculum in the area across all grades, surrounding treaties and treaty relations, as well as having aboriginal perspectives into the curriculum, so we have a lot of work to do in that area."

Meanwhile both literacy, and career and skills development positions are already well-established in the division. Literacy Coach Sandy Shaw-Lyons was hired in 2012, and was given a full-time position in 2014. Meanwhile the division hired Blair Hordeski last year, to serve as the Career Development Coordinator.