For immediate release
November 2, 1999

MORE GRADE THREES SCORE HIGHER IN MATHEMATICS AND WRITING

On 1999 October 29 the provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office released the results of this year's Grades Three and Six assessments conducted last May for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.  The goal of the assessments, which measured student achievement in reading, writing and mathematics,  is ultimately to improve student learning.

An initial examination of local and provincial results suggest that in Grade Three, the gains made last year have been maintained.  In addition, in both mathematics and writing, a significantly higher number of pupils achieved Level Three (at the provincial standard) and Level Four (above the provincial standard) compared to Hastings and Prince Edward student results from 1998.  In comparison to the achievement of students across the province, our students achieved at, or very near the provincial average in all three areas.

The results of the Grade Six assessment were disappointing.  In comparison to the achievements of Grade Six students across the province, our pupils achieved significantly below the provincial average in all three areas. The Grade Six assessment was the first one of its kind administered province wide so there are no results from 1998 with which to compare.

Board staff will be analyzing school, board and provincial results over the next few weeks and a full report will be presented at the Board meeting of 1999 November 22.  At that time, the elements of the Board's improvement plan, which is a required part of each assessment, will also be released.
 

For more information contact:
Randy Brown, Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum,  966-1170  ext. 2203