EQAO results indicate more students performing at Level 3 and 4Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Primary and Junior Reading, Writing and Mathematics assessment results for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, released on September 12, 2012, show gains of 1 to 3 percent in all subject areas.
Grade 3 results indicate that 68 percent of students achieved or exceeded the provincial standard in Reading, 79 percent in Writing, and 70 percent in Math. Provincial results are slightly lower at 66 for Writing, 76 percent for Reading and 68 for Math. In Grade 6, 78 percent of students achieved Level 3 and 4 scores in Reading, 80 percent in Writing, and 60 percent in Math compared to 75 percent, 74 percent and 58 percent provincially.
Grade 9 Academic and Applied Mathematics assessments also show sustained growth with 85 percent of students achieving Level 3 and 4 in academic and 43 percent in applied assessments. Provincial mathematics results are 84 percent and 44 percent respectively.
“At the outset, I want to say how pleased we are with this year’s EQAO results,” says Chairperson Patrick J. Daly. “Our test scores continue to surpass the province, in one area by as much as six percent. The steady improvement in student achievement is clearly a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of our classroom teachers, principals, support staff and administration.”
More importantly, notes Daly, results for 2011-2012 show that students are performing at higher levels, with fewer at Level 1 and 2, and more at Level 3 and 4.
Level 3 is the provincial standard.
“The sustained improvement confirms that the board’s policies and administrative practices with respect to assessments are benefiting students and schools,” he says.
Assessment drives instruction, attests Director of Education Patricia Amos. “Assessments not only enable our teachers to identify learning gaps, but assist our instructional staff in modifying instruction and gearing professional development around those needs.”
They are supports that over time are making a difference, especially in the board’s Equal Opportunities schools, says Assistant Superintendent of Education David Hansen. That difference is borne out by St. Michael Catholic Elementary School whose 2011-2012 assessment results rose dramatically from 43 percent in 2010-2011 to 59 percent in Grade 3 Reading, 49 to 83 percent in Grade 3 Writing, 43 to 67 percent in Grade 3 Math, and 69 to 98 percent in Grade 6 Writing.
“We still have the breakfast programs and out-of-school learning experiences, but it’s the academic supports that are moving our students along. Our Board Improvement Plan really speaks to how we maintain our gains,” comments Hansen.
It’s also about leadership, says Patricia Amos: EQAO results say a lot about the climate of the school.
“At St. Michael, the teachers embraced the opportunity to work collaboratively with their school improvement team in support of student achievement. The results reflect this dedication and commitment on the part of the staff, students, administration and parent community.”
Significant gains were also realized at St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School, particularly for students studying applied mathematics. The school experienced a 13 percent increase in the number of students achieving the provincial standard for a total of 50 percent of students achieving Level 3 and 4, compared to 44 provincially. The school – which won a Premier’s Safe Schools Award in June 2012 – has implemented a number of initiatives in support of student achievement.
“We’re proud of all of our schools, however, we take particular pride in our Equal Opportunities schools which, through their achievements, truly exemplify the board’s commitment to excellence,” says Daly.
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