York Region District School Board students continue to perform above provincial averages in the recently released results from Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Among Grade 3 students in York Region District School Board, 75% achieved the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4) in reading, 70% in writing and 71% in mathematics. This compares with provincial averages of 71%, 64% and 61% respectively.
Among Grade 6 students in York Region District School Board, 87% achieved the provincial standard in reading, 88% in writing and 64% in mathematics. This compares with provincial averages of 82%, 80% and 50% respectively.
"As a Board of Trustees, we continue to support students and staff through the development of the Trustees' Multi-Year Strategic Plan that puts students at the centre and focuses on their achievement and well-being," said Ron Lynn, Chair of the York Region District School Board. "EQAO data is one method of assessment that York Region District School Board uses to monitor progress and to assist in the development and implementation of plans for continuous improvement in our schools."
Of the 9,514 Fully Participating YRDSB students who wrote the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for the first time, 91% were successful , compared with an average success rate of 85% among all school districts across Ontario.
For the Grade 9 mathematics assessment, 69% of YRDSB secondary students achieved the provincial standard. This compares with a provincial average of 54% of all students in the province who achieved the standard.
"We deeply appreciate the commitment and efforts of our students, staff, families and community partners and their contributions to student achievement and well-being," said Bill Cober, Director of Education. "The data from the EQAO report will be used, along with other assessment data, to guide our District Action Plan for Student Achievement, Well-being and Inclusion with the goal to improve learning outcomes for all. Administrators and teachers review their school's results to inform their School Improvement Plan."
To support learners, YRDSB is implementing a Right to Read program, focused on literacy skills through a junior reading program. In addition, YRDSB also has an enhanced focus on math through the leadership of the Board Math Action Team. This team will focus on the development of a math strategy to support student achievement.