Local schools score in test results
Numbers could be misleading for smaller schools

When it comes to reading, writing and math, the two local school boards hold their own quite well with the rest of the province.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released the results of the standardized tests for Grades 3 and 6, and both the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board checked in above the provincial averages in all categories.

"Our vision and our framework is getting us where we want to be," observed local Trustee Elizabeth Crowe, chair of the Catholic board. She added the board's Shared Vision emphasizes collaborative relationships as being key to student success.

"Capacity building has been the key," she remarked. "We've focused on building relationships; providing opportunities for teachers to meet during the school day to collaborate with gradelevel colleagues to talk about best practices. We've emphasized the relationships and partnerships we've developed with teachers and provided lots of support from the central office."

Bill Crothers, chair of the public board, observed the real value of these tests is the way they measure improvement over time.

"Over nine years of testing, students in the York Region District School Board have demonstrated a steady upward trend toward

improved results," he commented. "While just one of many indicators of student success, these results prove the effect of longterm, sustained focus on student achievement."

Schools in King measured up well too, although some of the numbers reported did fall below the averages. The reports from EQAO cautioned against putting too much emphasis on specific numbers, especially where small schools are concerned.

"Results may vary considerably from year to year, and results may look exaggerated," the reports

stated. "For example, in a school of 20 students, a difference of 10 per cent represents only two students."

"EQAO results form a key part of our school and board plans for continuous improvement," observed Bill Hogarth, director of

education for the York Region District School Board. "School administrators will be analyzing the detailed assessment data along with their classroom teachers over the coming weeks to pinpoint areas for further improvement."