Longitudinal Tracking System Tracking Student Success The Board will introduce a system-wide initiative to assess, track and analyze a wide range of data and educational information on student achievement and success as children progress through the school system from Kindergarten to graduation. Superintendent of Education Dr. Donaleen Hawes says the ‘Longitudinal Tracking Program’ will store data over time that will help provide learning profiles of the successes and gaps in student learning. Measuring Learning Gains It will involve the Special Education, Curriculum and Information Technology Departments working together to provide a data management system for school and Board use. The information collected will ensure that teachers, principals, parents and students can target learning goals and measure learning gains. Virtual Warehousing Of Data The virtual ‘warehousing’ of data will also help identify children who, at an early age, may require special educational support. As certain learning and achievement patterns develop over time, it will help teachers spot areas where the child needs extra help or attention. Many Sources of Information The system will include report cards to profile grade-level success in each subject area and EQAO results at Grades 3, 6, 9 and 10 in reading, writing and mathematics. In addition, several Special Education programs will be included that assess reading and comprehension levels, along with CAT-3 (Canadian Achievement Test) scores. Other information that impacts on learning will also be identified - for example, absenteeism and suspensions, which provide key indicators of being at risk, and information on retention, graduation, credit accumulation, and continuous improvement. A Program Analyst and an Education Information Technology Coordinator will be designated to develop the new Board program over the next eighteen months. Story from Board Highlights - December 14, 2004