FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2003

Best practices and diligence enhance Grade 9 assessment results
Sharing best practices, collaboration between elementary and secondary schools, changes in teaching Applied courses and diligent work by students and teachers have all contributed to the positive results of the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. Students in the Academic and Applied levels at the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) have seen significant growth in the 2002–2003 assessment.

“As a Board, we are very pleased with the results and offer congratulations to our students who have worked hard to improve their math skills, and to our staff who have identified strengths and needs in order to determine next steps for learning,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

Highlights of HPEDSB Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment
Students at the Academic level are exceeding the provincial average and have consistently improved over time. Within our Board, 73 percent of students in Academic courses are performing at Level 3 or above, compared to the provincial average of 66 percent. Further, 89 percent of Academic students are performing at Level 2 or above, compared to the provincial average of 83 percent.

Students in the Applied level are performing above the provincial average. Within our Board, 35 percent of students in Applied courses are performing at Level 3 or above compared to the provincial average of 21 percent. Further, 76 percent of Applied students, compared to the provincial average of 58 percent, are performing at or above Level 2.

In the three years that the assessment has been given, our Grade 9 Academic and Applied students have achieved significant improvements each year, while already surpassing the provincial average.

On the four-level scale, Level 3 is considered the provincial standard and is equivalent to a score of 70 to 79 percent, while Level 4 is described as a score of 80 percent or higher. Level 2 is described as a score of 60 to 69 percent, while Level 1 reflects a score of 50 to 59 percent. All data reported above is based on Method 1, which includes data for all students eligible to write the test.

Next steps
Detailed analysis and interpretation of the results is being completed at the school and Board levels. Schools are using the assessment results along with classroom assessment data to help identify next steps for learning. In 2004, a new Math program called TIPS—Targeted Implementation and Planning Supports—will be implemented for Grades 7, 8, and 9.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,900 students and employing 1,083 teachers. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For more information, contact:
• RANDY BROWN, Superintendent of Educational Services, 966-1170 x2203
• JUDY EDGAR, Chair of the Board, (613) 921-3203