TRAINEE teachers could be tested to see how proficient they are in maths as part of a new drive to improve the way the subject is taught in Scottish schools.
The suggestion is included in the final report of the Making Maths Count group, which was set up by the Scottish Government to address concerns about negative perceptions of the subject.
The group has called for a government strategy to promote the subject as an essential skill for work, as well as for skills and education bodies to draw up an action plan for improving maths skills for employment.
Read more: Classroom concerns over new national tests
The group wants a nationwide Maths Week Scotland event and has also recommended schools receive support through the government's Attainment Scotland Fund to increase the focus on raising attainment in numeracy.
However, a key focus will be on improving confidence and fluency in maths amongst teachers with a shake-up of the training and probation programmes they undertake.
The report calls for new research to establish "how well students are being prepared to teach maths as newly qualified teachers" with a particular focus on minimum entry requirements and an examination of other strategies such as "online testing of applicants' numeracy skills".
It also calls for a look at whether there is sufficient coverage of maths in primary teacher training programmes and whether teachers are sufficiently supported when they take part in classroom probation.
Group chair Maureen McKenna, executive director of education in Glasgow, said: "We believe that everyone, whatever their circumstances in life, has the ability to become proficient at maths.
Read more: Classroom concerns over new national tests
"Our research and engagement work with teachers, pupils and the public shows that the way to achieve this is to make maths more relevant to real life and work and more enjoyable.
"Our recommendations build upon the best work taking place within Scotland and elsewhere and aim to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation."
Education Secretary John Swinney said improving the numeracy skills of children was a key part of what the Scottish Government was doing to drive up attainment.
He said: "This report gives us clear recommendations which we support and we will consider how they can be implemented. The recommendations will complement the work we are already undertaking to improve numeracy skills."
However, opposition parties called for the recommendations to be followed through with adequate funding.
Read more: Classroom concerns over new national tests
Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: "These recommendations are very good, especially those around improving teacher training so that all teachers are confident about teaching and promoting maths skills.
"But above all, these recommendations are urgent and must be backed now by resources, not just warm words from ministers."
Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens' education spokesman, added: "If ministers are serious about empowering teachers and reducing the attainment gap, they should make a firm funding commitment to reduce class sizes and freeing up time for teachers to embark on professional learning, as the report recommends."
Tavish Scott MSP, for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: "Adding up is not the SNP's strong point. Nine years of SNP government, and only now do they recognise that maths is important to Scotland's young people. These recommendations need to be taken forward with a whole lot of drive and determination."
Research conducted for the report found that some trainee teachers would have been excluded from the profession if maths standards were raised to the level of a Higher. Instead, they supported the use of online tests.
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