Grades 3 and 6 EQAO Assessment Results: CDSBEO Student Achievement Continues Trend of Outstanding Progress in Reading, Writing and Math
(Release September 13, 2006)

Kemptville –  The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is pleased to release 2005-2006 Board Results for the Reading, Writing and Mathematics assessment administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). The results show that board-wide initiatives continue to have a positive affect yielding improving results. Over the past six years, CDSBEO has seen a rapid increase in the number of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard.

Recently, the CDSBEO was one of eight school boards that was highlighted for best practices across Ontario by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat in a research project entitled Unlocking the Potential for District-Wide Reform. 

Grade 3 Board Results

Board-wide Grade 3 results show a significant improvement with increases in success rates in all areas. The number of students in Grade 3 who met or exceeded the Provincial Standard in Reading increased by 7%, the success rate for Writing increased by 5%, while Mathematics increased by 8%. A total of 1,070 students wrote the grade 3 tests, which translates to a 96% participation rate. (Results based on all students enrolled in Grade 3, including those who did not participate in the assessment.)

Grade 6 Board Results 

Grade 6 Board results also increased in all three areas over last year. Reading increased by 7%, Writing by 5% and Mathematics by 7%. A total of 1,243 students wrote the grade 6 tests, translating to a 98% participation rate. (Results based on all students enrolled in Grade 6, including those who did not participate in the assessment.) 

These outstanding results are a clear indication that the Board literacy and numeracy strategy is working.  The results also reflect the dedication and hard work of our school communities.

Teamwork Praised  

CDSBEO Director of Education Ann Perron stated, “We are very proud of the effort put forth by our administration and staff. The year-over-year increase in the number of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard shows that the strategies we continue to develop have had a positive effect on student learning.”  

CDSBEO Board Chair Ron Eamer was equally pleased. “The results show our students are responding to the hard work put forth by our staff. The incredible programs to encourage student development are a testament to the dedication of our departments striving for a common goal.”  

Result Highlights: 

Bishop MacDonell Catholic School, Cornwall 

Bishop MacDonell Catholic School has been highlighted as a School Success Story with EQAO.  They are one of only 18 schools to have been chosen province-wide to be highlighted for their EQAO success. The school is being showcased for its programs to encourage the rapid advancement of student success. Bishop MacDonell followed the Board trend and improved in all three areas this year.   

Sacred Heart Catholic School, Cornwall  

Sacred Heart Catholic School is very pleased with the significant improvements reflected in the results. The percentage of students at or exceeding the provincial expectations in Grade 3 Reading rose from 15% to 78%, the rate for Writing rose from 15% to 78%, and the rate for Mathematics rose from 9% to 92%. In grade 6, the percentage of students at or above the provincial standard increased in all areas as well.

“I would specifically like to note a great improvement in the Grade 3 Reading, Writing and Math, as well as in the Grade 6 Reading,” said Principal Stephanie Burke. “With hard work and dedication from students, staff and parents, our students have made significant gains in all areas. We are proud of all of our educational partners for their excellent work.” 

Holy Name of Mary Catholic School, Almonte 

Holy Name of Mary Catholic School Principal Francesca Hernandez credits her school’s outstanding performance on the EQAO assessment to excellent communication. “Professional Learning Communities assist teachers in sharing strategies to work with individual students, and allowed staff to share their concerns and discuss the next steps for individual students on a regular basis,” stated Mrs. Hernandez. 

The results for Holy Name of Mary increased in all areas in both Grade 3 and Grade 6. 

Holy Cross Catholic School, Kemptville 

Results at Holy Cross Catholic School in Kemptville also showed significant improvement in all areas. Principal David Guertin credits individual goal setting for the positive results. “We believe that every child can learn with collaborative target-based goals and we expect to see further increases, as new methods are introduced, that will allow us to explore data in more detail to make the most appropriate, informed decisions for each student.” 

Mother Teresa Catholic School, Russell 

A significant improvement in Grade 6 assessment results is also reported at Mother Teresa Catholic School in Russell. The percentage of students meeting or surpassing the provincial standard in all areas rose between 13% and 16%. 

Principal Kerry Lamming credits a team effort and stated, “Results for our Grade 6 students clearly indicate our desire to ensure that all of our pupils reach their potential. The teachers have worked diligently to implement programs and strategies which target individual students to assist them to reach the Provincial standard in all three curriculum areas, and where possible reach level 4 and surpass the Provincial standard. We cannot forget the support of our parents in taking such a great interest in their children's education as well.  A team effort certainly results in a positive outcome.” 

J.L. Jordan Catholic School, Brockville 

J.L Jordan Catholic School also saw a significant improvement in the Grade 6 assessments in all areas, with the percentage of successful students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard rising by between 24% and 53%. 

Principal John Healy commented, “We are very pleased with our results. Specific goals for Math problem solving in the junior grades has led to the positive results and of course our teachers should be praised for their dedication to our students.” 

Board’s Dedication to Improvement Remains Steadfast

CDSBEO Principal of Curriculum Charlotte Rouleau is pleased that the results have been released earlier in the school year. “The early release will assist our teaching staff with planning and decision-making to inform their instructional practice. Connecting with the EQAO data by closely examining the individual student results will help teachers to monitor and to continue to improve achievement one student at a time.”

Pease see the attached chart for Board results.  (For more detailed results, visit the EQAO website at: www.eqao.com) 

For more information contact Bob Perreault, Communications Officer at 1-800-443-4562 ext 206. 

EQAO GRADE 3 AND 6
ASSESSMENT OF READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS
2005-2006
BOARD AND PROVINCIAL RESULTS
 PERCENTAGE OF ALL STUDENTS AT OR ABOVE THE PROVINCIAL STANDARD (LEVELS 3 AND 4)

For more information, please contact Bob Perreault, CDSBEO Communications Officer,
(613) 258-7757 or 1-800-443-4562, ext. 206