FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Positive trend on provincial assessments continues with elementary students
19 October 2005, Belleville, Ontario—Today, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) released the annual test results for its Grade 3 and 6 students. Overall, the results show the highest achievements since the testing began six years ago.

“The Board is once again very pleased to see the continued improvement from our students. The sustained, co-ordinated efforts between our staff, in partnership with home and community, are making the difference,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

Students in all publicly-funded elementary schools in Ontario wrote the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) tests in the spring of 2005. HPEDSB students improved their level of achievement in reading, writing and mathematics which are the three areas of the assessment.

“Supporting student achievement in literacy and numeracy is one of the most important aspects of educating HPEDSB students. Specific strategies such as staff training, supports tailored to specific school needs, and a full board emphasis on literacy and numeracy are being utilized, resulting in improved results and learning for students,” states Kathy Soule, Director of Education.

Grade 3 results
In reading, writing and mathematics, Grade 3 students’ EQAO results were higher than last year. These latest results indicate:

• Performance in Grade 3 reading is 4 percent higher than last year, with 54 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.
• Performance in Grade 3 writing is 3 percent higher than last year, with 52 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.
• Performance in Grade 3 mathematics is 8 percent higher than last year, with 62 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.

Grade 6 results
In reading, writing and mathematics, Grade 6 students’ EQAO results were higher than last year. These latest results indicate:

• Performance in Grade 6 reading is 6 percent higher than last year, with 57 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.
• Performance in Grade 6 writing is 4 percent higher than last year, with 48 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.
• Performance in Grade 6 mathematics is even with last year, with 50 percent of students achieving at or above the provincial standard.

Of particular interest

• Comparisons of the same students from Grade 3 to Grade 6 also reveal encouraging results. The 2002 group of Grade 3 students performed substantially better as Grade 6 students in 2005 with reading up by 13 percent, writing up by 4 percent, and mathematics up by 3 percent.
• The 2005 test results show gains in Grade 3 with a 5 percent increase overall.
• In September a new mathematics program was introduced across the district for Grade 6 students. It consists of a new curriculum and brand new text books, and completes the roll-out in this area for all students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 46 elementary and eight secondary schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. 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 information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170, or 1 800 267-4350, ext. 2354