Marks Improve in Physics and English

Nova Scotia students showed a significant improvement in provincial physics and English tests in the 2003-04 school year. Results were released today, April 12, in the fourth annual Minister's Report to Parents.

The report is part of the province's Learning for Life plan to be more accountable to parents and provide them with meaningful information about their children's achievement.

"While we're pleased to see improvement in certain areas, we're concerned that some students continue to struggle," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Through Learning for Life, we're making investments in areas where students and teachers need them the most, but we need to do more, along with our partners, to help our students perform better."

The provincial average on the English/Communications 12 exam rose from 47 per cent in 2003 to 51 per cent in 2004. The pass rate also improved by 14 per cent, with 58 per cent of students passing the exam in 2004.

Students also performed better in Grade 12 physics. The provincial average on the Grade 12 exam increased by four per cent to 52 per cent in 2004. The pass rate also improved from 43 per cent in 2003 to 51 per cent in 2004.

Students' marks on Grade 12 exams count for 30 per cent of their final course marks.

The department also conducts math program assessments in Grade 5 and Grade 8. Program assessments test the curriculum and the system, rather than individual student performance. In 2004, a junior high math program assessment was conducted with Grade 8 students, resulting in a provincial average of 36 per cent.

"This result is not acceptable," said Mr. Muir. "It also reinforces the decision to have a testing program. Teachers, boards, parents and students all need this information and together we can ask questions to find out how our students, and the system, are doing. We know math is a challenging area, we're focusing on it and we will continue to do so. Over time, our efforts, coupled with those of our partners, will improve student achievement."

Since the procedure to administer the junior high math program assessment to students changed in 2004, it is not possible to compare 2004 and 2002 assessment results.

Other results reported in the Minister's Report to Parents include:

• Grade 12 English: the provincial average remained at 58 per cent in 2004, unchanged from 2003.
• Grade 12 chemistry: the provincial average improved from 57 per cent in 2003 to 58 per cent in 2004.
• Chimie 12 (written by French immersion students): the provincial average remained at 58 per cent for 2004 and the pass rate improved from 63 per cent in 2003 to 68 per cent in 2004.

Teachers are key players in the department's testing program. They work with the department to develop assessments, field test them with students, and administer them at the classroom level. In addition, groups of teachers help to mark provincial assessments.

The Department of Education recently met with hundreds of education partners to get their input on the next plan for education. All partners supported the measuring of student achievement. The department will release a new plan for education later this spring that will help ensure students receive the best possible preparation for their futures.

The 2004 Minister's Report to Parents is available on the Department of Education's website at www.ednet.ns.ca beneath the features tab.