TORONTO, August 31, 2023 – With back-to-school around the corner, experts from York University’s Faculty of Education are not only sharing tips to make the transition a successful one, but can also comment on broader trends in education.

While math anxiety is common for many students of all ages, there is no such thing as “math people and not math people”, says Professor Tina Rapke. Parents and teachers can implement a few simple strategies that can go a long way towards giving kids the confidence they need to succeed. Rapke, who works directly with students and teachers in classroom settings, says listening to kids explain how they would tackle a question, rather than telling them how they have to do it, is one strategy.

Rapke is available to comment on topics including:

• Strategies for classroom teaching and math learning at home
• How kids develop mathematical ideas
• Why and how to focus on students’ ideas to enhance math education

The privatization of public education shows itself in a number of areas, says Professor Sue Winton, York Research Chair in Policy Analysis for Democracy and the author of Unequal Benefits: Privatization and Public Education in Canada. Privatization undermines the public school system and perpetuates inequalities, says Winton.

Winton is available for comment on topics including:

• School fees, fundraising, school choice, specialized programs, and other ways that public education is being privatized
• What these changes mean for kids, families, communities, and democracy
• The role of policy in supporting or undermining public education

If children’s mental-health needs are not addressed, they won’t be able to tackle academic challenges, and there are a number of indicators that youth mental health is getting worse, says Professor Kate Tilleczek, Canada Research Chair Youth, Education & Global Good. Tilleczek is the founder and director of the Young Lives Research Laboratory, where she examines how youth navigate challenges both global and local in nature.

Tilleczek is available for comment on topics including:

• Digital technology’s influences on youth well-being at school, work, and their social lives
• Youth well-being and the climate crises – how are youth responding
• New forms of education for sustainable living