Clearview School Division trustees are concerned that some of the Clearview provincial test results are below the Alberta average.
They asked staff to brief them on the results.
Rob Rathwell, the board’s co-ordinator of administrative and instructional support, presented an analysis of the Grade 9 PAT and diploma examination results.
“We pay attention anytime any of our results are below the provincial average,” said Clearview superintendent John Bailey.
He said the evaluation covered 16 categories, and that Clearview scored above the provincial average in 11 of the 16.
The areas cited for necessary improvement are the “diploma acceptable” and “diploma excellence” measures.
Bailey said Clearview’s focus is on those two diploma exams.
“We want that to be higher.”
Work has begun to achieve that goal, he said.
Bailey said PAT and diploma teachers throughout the division are collaborating to share their strengths and experience in an effort to generate better results.
A program to improve math achievement has been established between William E. Hay Composite High School and the University of Lethbridge.
The diploma results can be interpreted in different ways, Bailey said.
While the results of student-learning achievement are lower, Clearview scores higher in high school completion rate than the provincial average, he said.
“All students aren’t necessarily getting lower marks. There are more students attempting the courses now, and although that may lower the average, more students are receiving education in those subject areas.”
In the overall summary, Clearview is evaluated as “acceptable to excellent” in seven categories.
Aside from the diploma results, the school dropout rate is also listed as a concern.
Bailey said students moving out of the division are included in the dropout rate.
He said Clearview is one of the smaller divisions in the province and, with those lower numbers, percentages can be distorted more easily.
Dates to be finalized
As communities wait to make a case to save their schools, the Clearview School Division is still setting the dates for its community consultation meetings.
The board earlier decided to visit Byemoor and Donalda before the end of March.
Bailey said tentative dates March 12 and 20 are being considered for those first two meetings.
Details are expected to be finalized at the Feb. 14 board meeting, which is open to the public.
The remainder of the Clearview school communities, except for the colony schools, are scheduled to be visited in March, April or May.