Learning for Life to Help Improve Assessment Results

Nova Scotia students are improving in chemistry and physics but still need more support in reading, writing and math.

Provincial assessment results from the 2001-02 school year are detailed in the second annual Minister's Report to Parents. The report was sent to parents today, Feb. 20, through their school advisory councils.

"We're pleased with the improvement in the sciences, but clearly our students still need more support in the basics," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The actions we've launched through Learning for Life will help to give our students this support to succeed in school and life."

Marks continue to improve in chemistry and physics. The Grade 12 chemistry exam was administered for the third time and the provincial average rose from 53 per cent to 59 per cent. The physics exam was written for the second time and results moved up from 46 per cent to 50 per cent.

Grade 12 English exams were administered for the third year in 2001-02. Students taking English 12 achieved a provincial average of 53 per cent while those taking English Communication 12 achieved 47 per cent. Both averages are about the same as in 2000-01.

A Grade 8 math assessment on the new math program was administered for the first time in 2001-02. Students achieved a provincial average of 32 per cent. A national assessment for 13- and 16-year-olds yielded results below the national average.

The results of the math assessment tell the department that more time and support are needed for teachers to fully implement the new program. It does not necessarily reflect the students' ability in math.

"As disappointing as the math results are, as a classroom teacher I have seen a positive response to the new math curriculum from the students," said Susan Wilkie, a Grade 9 math teacher and leader at Gorsebrook Junior High School in Halifax. "The new curriculum acknowledges and responds to children's diverse learning styles and math ability."

Last spring, the department trained nearly 900 teachers to become math leaders in their schools. Math leaders help other teachers with lesson plans and techniques that ensure students learn all required curriculum outcomes -- things students must know or be able to do.

The math leader training is part of Learning for Life, launched in September 2002, to help students succeed in school. The plan also includes: -- giving young students the attention they need by reducing class size in Primary to Grade 2 classes over three years; -- supporting Grade 7 students' development as readers with 100,000 new books; -- ensuring students get a strong foundation in the basics through more class time spent on math and reading; -- helping early readers by expanding Reading Recovery in English and French; -- helping parents support their children's reading at home with more information.

Students whose assessment results are summarized in this year's report to parents did not have the benefit of these new measures. However, the positive impact of these actions will be visible in future assessment results as younger students advance through the grades.

"There is no quick fix to improve these results," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Every day, we will continue to work with school boards, teachers, parents and others to give our students every opportunity to reach their full potential."

Mr. MacIsaac also thanked all parents for the role they play in advancing their children's education.

There were no new international results to report for 2001-02.

The 2002 Minister's Report to Parents is available at www.ednet.ns.ca .