News Release
September 20, 2007
For Immediate Release
EQAO results show high levels of achievement for
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board students
Results from the spring 2007 administration of the EQAO tests (Education Quality and Accountability Office) for Primary (Grades 1–3) and Junior (Grades 4–6) assessments of reading, writing and mathematics, and the Grade 9 assessment of mathematics, indicate that Dufferin-Peel students continue to perform well. Results in primary (Grade 3) and junior (Grade 6) reading and writing were relatively consistent with last year, while mathematics results in Grade 3 demonstrated a 3% increase. Long term increased results show that Dufferin-Peel has experienced achievement increases of between 12% and 32% since the inception of the primary and junior assessments ten and nine years ago, respectively.
This year’s results indicate that over 58% of Dufferin-Peel students are at the provincial standard in Grades 3 and 6 reading, writing and mathematics. Dufferin-Peel did not see achievement gains in the Grade 9 results. However, nearly 70% of all Dufferin-Peel students are achieving the provincial standard in Grade 9 academic mathematics. Over the long term, Dufferin-Peel has experienced significant growth in Grade 9 academic and applied mathematics achievement, (19% and 21% respectively), since the first such assessments were conducted in 2000-2001. Statistically, Dufferin-Peel’s 2006-2007 results are above or on par with the provincial average in all areas.
The assessments conducted by the Education Quality and Accountability Office, an independent agency whose mandate is to ensure greater accountability and help improve the quality of education, provide an indication of each student’s achievement in reading, writing and mathematics. The spring 2007 assessment report on three groups of students: Grade 3 students in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics; Grade 6 students in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics and Grade 9 students in academic and applied mathematics.
The results for students in all assessments for the last three EQAO administrations are presented below:
|
Assessment |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
1-Year Comparison |
2007 Ontario |
|
Primary Division (Grades 1-3) Reading |
58% |
64% |
64% |
+0% |
62% |
|
Primary Division (Grades 1-3) Writing |
65% |
70% |
70% |
+0% |
64% |
|
Primary Division (Grades 1-3) Mathematics |
63% |
67% |
70% |
+3% |
69% |
|
Junior Division (Grades 4-6) Reading |
65% |
67% |
67% |
+0% |
64% |
|
Junior Division (Grades 4-6) Writing |
63% |
67% |
68% |
+1% |
61% |
|
Junior Division (Grades 4-6) Mathematics |
58% |
60% |
58% |
-2% |
59% |
|
Grade 9 Academic Mathematics |
73% |
75% |
69% |
-6% |
71% |
|
Grade 9 Applied Mathematics |
30% |
38% |
31% |
-7% |
35% |
"Our students and staff are to be congratulated for continuing to demonstrate high levels of achievement," said Ralph Borrelli, Associate Director, Instructional Services. "As a Catholic school board, we recognize that the school, the student, the family and the parish work together to help each student succeed. This shared partnership for student success has resulted in continued progress."
Practices in place in Dufferin-Peel schools that continue to prove successful include: targeted supports and resources to more closely meet the varying challenges faced by schools; ongoing professional learning focused on student needs; and differentiated classroom instruction to foster the growth and potential of individual students. The board will further analyze the EQAO results to provide support to schools, parents and students to ensure that more students continue to improve in all assessment areas. Each school has its own plan, which will be reviewed in the context of the test results, to improve students’ skills in all subject areas. School plans include strategies to assist all students, including intervention and reinforcement for students who did not achieve the provincial standard.
"We remain committed to placing student learning first. We strive to support our students within the rich context of our Catholic faith and traditions, so that each one can reach his or her full potential," noted Marianne Mazzorato, Superintendent of Program. "The significant improvement in EQAO results observed over time is a testament to our ongoing dedication to improving student achievement in all areas of learning."
Board and individual school results will be available on the board website at
www.dpcdsb.org in late September 2007. Additional information on the various assessments can be obtained through the EQAO web site at www.eqao.com.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest school boards in Ontario. It currently serves approximately 89,000 students in 143 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton, Caledon and Orangeville. It is the goal of the board to provide quality education to students in a setting which fosters Catholic values and beliefs.
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For more information, contact:
Bruce Campbell
General Manager, Communications & Community Relations
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24466 or (905) 609-1480
bruce.campbell@dpcdsb.org
Marianne Mazzorato
Superintendent of Program
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24261
marianne.mazzorato@dpcdsb.org