Canadian math scores drop due to inquiry-based teaching; experts urge structured instruction and early screening.

Canadian students' math performance has declined for over a decade, falling below international benchmarks, with some provinces losing the equivalent of two or more years of schooling. A C.D. Howe Institute report attributes the trend to a shift from teacher-led to inquiry-based learning, which lacks sufficient foundational skill-building. Experts stress that structured, explicit instruction is more effective, especially for beginners and struggling learners. Many teachers also carry math anxiety, affecting students. The report rejects increased funding—Canada already spends above the OECD average—and instead calls for evidence-based reforms, including mandatory multiplication table testing by Grade 4 and universal math screening from kindergarten to Grade 8 to identify learning gaps early.