Monday, October 20, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
EQAO Assessments for 2013-2014
At our last meeting, trustees received the full report of the EQAO results for Bluewater District School Board students. These province-wide tests measure student performance in reading, writing and mathematics based on the expectations set out in The Ontario Curriculum.
Our Grade 3 students maintained in reading their 61% average of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In writing they increased by 5% from 2013 to 77% of all students at or above the provincial standard.
And in mathematics they increased by 1% to 62%.
Our Grade 6 students increased in reading 5% over last year to 74% of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In writing they increased 6% over last year to 72 % of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In mathematics they decreased 5% from last year to 42%. This trend shows pretty well across all schools in the province although with some variations.
For Grade 9 Applied Math the score was 51 % of all students at or above the provincial standard, a general trend upwards over the last 5 years.
And for Grade 9 Academic Math, the score was 86%, a general trend up.
And finally, for first-time eligible fully participating students in the Secondary Literacy Test, the number who were successful was 73%. Those not successful can, of course, try again since passing the test is a prerequisite for graduation. This score was somewhat below the provincial average.
Comparing these scores to provincial averages, Bluewater scores are a little lower or close to the provincial level. However, we and our staff are more concerned with the trends within Bluewater, which show increasing levels of achievement. Nor do we compare schools - the importance of the scores is mostly within the schools and to inform teaching staff where students need more attention.
To that end, our teachers are supported in many ways through professional development, school instructional teams, and various provincial initiatives. Individual scores are tracked by teachers and principals to aid in the achievement of each of our students. We need to remember too that these scores are not the complete story of how our students are doing since they are just a snapshot of students' progress. A whole lot of other factors are not in the mix.
I've given you a lot of numbers to digest, but I'm sure most parents will focus on where their own children are in the scheme of things. And I'm sure they, like the Bluewater Board are so proud of what our students are accomplishing.
I hope all my readers are too.
Our Grade 3 students maintained in reading their 61% average of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In writing they increased by 5% from 2013 to 77% of all students at or above the provincial standard.
And in mathematics they increased by 1% to 62%.
Our Grade 6 students increased in reading 5% over last year to 74% of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In writing they increased 6% over last year to 72 % of all students at or above the provincial standard.
In mathematics they decreased 5% from last year to 42%. This trend shows pretty well across all schools in the province although with some variations.
For Grade 9 Applied Math the score was 51 % of all students at or above the provincial standard, a general trend upwards over the last 5 years.
And for Grade 9 Academic Math, the score was 86%, a general trend up.
And finally, for first-time eligible fully participating students in the Secondary Literacy Test, the number who were successful was 73%. Those not successful can, of course, try again since passing the test is a prerequisite for graduation. This score was somewhat below the provincial average.
Comparing these scores to provincial averages, Bluewater scores are a little lower or close to the provincial level. However, we and our staff are more concerned with the trends within Bluewater, which show increasing levels of achievement. Nor do we compare schools - the importance of the scores is mostly within the schools and to inform teaching staff where students need more attention.
To that end, our teachers are supported in many ways through professional development, school instructional teams, and various provincial initiatives. Individual scores are tracked by teachers and principals to aid in the achievement of each of our students. We need to remember too that these scores are not the complete story of how our students are doing since they are just a snapshot of students' progress. A whole lot of other factors are not in the mix.
I've given you a lot of numbers to digest, but I'm sure most parents will focus on where their own children are in the scheme of things. And I'm sure they, like the Bluewater Board are so proud of what our students are accomplishing.
I hope all my readers are too.
Friday, October 10, 2014
September
Last month with the start of a new school year, trustees received a couple of interesting reports
5 Days in August - 240 teachers and educational support staff attended 26 workshops facilitated mostly by system teachers and support staff. Topics included mental health, play based learning, technology in the classroom and teaching mathematics, among others. Trustees expressed interest in attending some themselves next year!
Another report, "How Have Teaching and Learning Changed" was well received. Presented with wonderful enthusiasm, this report told us how today's education is about developing the capacity to problem solve, communicate, collaborate and manage information. It is about ensuring students possess the personal qualities of flexibility, optimism, resilience, and perseverance to compete in today's world. This requires the curriculum to be more responsive to student interests, needs and cultural backgrounds. Teachers and students become co-participants in all aspects of the learning experience. As a district school board, we continue to work to ensure that our classrooms are equipping our students to function in a world which continues to change at a dramatic pace.
Trustees also welcomed our 2014 - 15 student trustees and senators. Reed Bell is again representing OSCVI and Kurt Dutfield-Hughes is representing West Hill. We hope they enjoy their year and their learning.
My next blog will talk about the EQAO results in our last round of testing.
All for now.
Marg
5 Days in August - 240 teachers and educational support staff attended 26 workshops facilitated mostly by system teachers and support staff. Topics included mental health, play based learning, technology in the classroom and teaching mathematics, among others. Trustees expressed interest in attending some themselves next year!
Another report, "How Have Teaching and Learning Changed" was well received. Presented with wonderful enthusiasm, this report told us how today's education is about developing the capacity to problem solve, communicate, collaborate and manage information. It is about ensuring students possess the personal qualities of flexibility, optimism, resilience, and perseverance to compete in today's world. This requires the curriculum to be more responsive to student interests, needs and cultural backgrounds. Teachers and students become co-participants in all aspects of the learning experience. As a district school board, we continue to work to ensure that our classrooms are equipping our students to function in a world which continues to change at a dramatic pace.
Trustees also welcomed our 2014 - 15 student trustees and senators. Reed Bell is again representing OSCVI and Kurt Dutfield-Hughes is representing West Hill. We hope they enjoy their year and their learning.
My next blog will talk about the EQAO results in our last round of testing.
All for now.
Marg
Thursday, September 18, 2014
2014 Election Campaign
Well - here we are again - another election four years after my last post!
It has been a busy four years and the next four years promises to be just as busy if not more so. And that is why I am running for re-election!
We have had two new Directors of Education: the first was able to get a similar position closer to where his family lives; and the second, Steve Blake, became our new Director last September and expects to locate permanently in the area. He has been busy getting to know the Bluewater Board and the communities it serves as well as dealing with all the many day-to-day operations of the board. He has been well received and is already making his mark on our board. We are very happy to have him.
Four balanced budgets, as required, have been discussed at length, approved, and put into practice. It has not been easy, but this year we hope to end the 2013-14 school year with a small surplus. Enrolment decline has brought about yearly declines in our funding since Ministry funding is based on our enrolment figures.
In these past four years, we have been through four Accommodation Reviews, a painful but necessary process for our communities. Whether those will prove in the long run to have been successful, only time will tell.
We have reviewed and revised a long list of policies, with some more far-reaching than others. Of particular note would be our revised Accommodation Review policy which took many months to complete, ending with receiving input from some of our community leaders. Its final approval will happen at our next Regular Board Meeting in October.
This past year I was re-elected Chair of the Board and that has brought more responsibilities and duties. I take those very seriously.
So that's enough to swallow for one post, but there will be more I promise.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and activities with you as the campaign unfolds.
Thanks for listening in.
Marg
It has been a busy four years and the next four years promises to be just as busy if not more so. And that is why I am running for re-election!
We have had two new Directors of Education: the first was able to get a similar position closer to where his family lives; and the second, Steve Blake, became our new Director last September and expects to locate permanently in the area. He has been busy getting to know the Bluewater Board and the communities it serves as well as dealing with all the many day-to-day operations of the board. He has been well received and is already making his mark on our board. We are very happy to have him.
Four balanced budgets, as required, have been discussed at length, approved, and put into practice. It has not been easy, but this year we hope to end the 2013-14 school year with a small surplus. Enrolment decline has brought about yearly declines in our funding since Ministry funding is based on our enrolment figures.
In these past four years, we have been through four Accommodation Reviews, a painful but necessary process for our communities. Whether those will prove in the long run to have been successful, only time will tell.
We have reviewed and revised a long list of policies, with some more far-reaching than others. Of particular note would be our revised Accommodation Review policy which took many months to complete, ending with receiving input from some of our community leaders. Its final approval will happen at our next Regular Board Meeting in October.
This past year I was re-elected Chair of the Board and that has brought more responsibilities and duties. I take those very seriously.
So that's enough to swallow for one post, but there will be more I promise.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and activities with you as the campaign unfolds.
Thanks for listening in.
Marg
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Campaign Speech for the All-Candidates Meeting we Weren't Invited To
I believe I have been a valuable member of the board of trustees: I consider issues carefully, I listen well, and I do my homework. I have a common-sense approach and am mindful that a trustee's responsibility is the best interest of students in the entire district. I have been chair of the business committee for four years, and chair of the joint health and safety committee for the last three. I can provide the continuity the board will need for the challenges of the coming term.
Learning more about education has been one of my goals. I attend almost all professional activity days and special workshops so I know about new trends and ministry expectations. The more I hear about changes in education, the more passionate I become in supporting new ways of engaging students, making education relevant, helping students become critical thinkers, and preparing them for the world they live in and beyond.
Last month I attended an international conference on education reform. We heard the same message from top educators from Australia, Singapore, Finland, Britain, the U.S. and Ontario: reform in education is crucial for our students to become the technologically-savvy thinkers and learners needed for the 21st Century.
I believe in success for all students, watever path they choose. I support the Board's High Skills Major programs in such sectors as Agriculture, Environment, Construction, and Health Care to name a few. These programs consist of a speific group of courses and allow students to focus on career paths that match their interests. I am also a strong believer in alternative education for strudents at risk of not graduating.
I visit Owen Sound schools regularly to observe the learning process and to attend School Community Council meetings. I support proncipals' efforts in collaborative support of the teachers who work so hard to give students the best education possible. And I delight in the children and their accomplishments - they are truly amazing, these future citizens of ours.
Learning more about education has been one of my goals. I attend almost all professional activity days and special workshops so I know about new trends and ministry expectations. The more I hear about changes in education, the more passionate I become in supporting new ways of engaging students, making education relevant, helping students become critical thinkers, and preparing them for the world they live in and beyond.
Last month I attended an international conference on education reform. We heard the same message from top educators from Australia, Singapore, Finland, Britain, the U.S. and Ontario: reform in education is crucial for our students to become the technologically-savvy thinkers and learners needed for the 21st Century.
I believe in success for all students, watever path they choose. I support the Board's High Skills Major programs in such sectors as Agriculture, Environment, Construction, and Health Care to name a few. These programs consist of a speific group of courses and allow students to focus on career paths that match their interests. I am also a strong believer in alternative education for strudents at risk of not graduating.
I visit Owen Sound schools regularly to observe the learning process and to attend School Community Council meetings. I support proncipals' efforts in collaborative support of the teachers who work so hard to give students the best education possible. And I delight in the children and their accomplishments - they are truly amazing, these future citizens of ours.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
New Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting policy
The draft policy, Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting, has been sent out to the Bluewater system for review by parents, community, principals and teachers. It will be available through SCCs, principals and Union presidents. It is based on the new Ministry policy document, Growing Success, which in its draft form caused some controversy concerning the handling of missed or late student assignments.
There are changes from the draft version, and this is the opportunity for interested stakeholders to have a look and provide their input - all suggestions will be carefully considered when the policy returns to the trustees in February for final adoption. This review is the board's way of consulting with the broader community, so we hope a number of people will take the time to read the Bluewater draft policy and let us know what you think.
Because this new policy is mandated to be implemented the start of this month, some of the changes will be evident in the first report cards as well as in requirements for student assignments.
Please post any questions you might have and I will be happy to respond.
There are changes from the draft version, and this is the opportunity for interested stakeholders to have a look and provide their input - all suggestions will be carefully considered when the policy returns to the trustees in February for final adoption. This review is the board's way of consulting with the broader community, so we hope a number of people will take the time to read the Bluewater draft policy and let us know what you think.
Because this new policy is mandated to be implemented the start of this month, some of the changes will be evident in the first report cards as well as in requirements for student assignments.
Please post any questions you might have and I will be happy to respond.
Friday, September 17, 2010
On September 15, over 700 students had the opportunity to hear Eva Olssen, holocaust survivor, speak at OSCVI. Her powerful and emotional talk about her experiences and survival during WW II had such an impact on the students that total silence reigned during her talk, and on completion she got an immediate standing ovation.
Her key message was that the word "hate" should not be used and no one should be mistreated or bullied because of ethnicity, economic status or any other difference. She called on parents as well as teachers to do their best to ensure this does not happen - the most effective method being to be models in their own behaviour and attitudes.
She also emphasized that every one of us can make a difference, but that change happens best when everyone works together to make change happen. What an amazing woman to do what she is doing - speaking to thousands of students every year to pass on her message while she still can do so.
Her key message was that the word "hate" should not be used and no one should be mistreated or bullied because of ethnicity, economic status or any other difference. She called on parents as well as teachers to do their best to ensure this does not happen - the most effective method being to be models in their own behaviour and attitudes.
She also emphasized that every one of us can make a difference, but that change happens best when everyone works together to make change happen. What an amazing woman to do what she is doing - speaking to thousands of students every year to pass on her message while she still can do so.
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