Reporting Back to You, Our Families: Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report and Student Performance Data

ECSD Celebrates Successes and Outlines Future Goals in Fall Report Card

At the Public Board Meeting on November 27, 2024 Edmonton Catholic Schools shared four key reports with the Board of Trustees:

Together, these reports offer valuable insights into the Division’s successes and areas for growth, highlighting our ongoing commitment to supporting student learning and well-being across our schools and sites.

Annual Education Results Report (AERR)

ECSD has released its Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for the 2023-2024 school year, sharing significant achievements and outlining future goals to support continuous improvement in education. The AERR is one of the tools the Division uses to support the Division Plan for Continuous Growth and demonstrates our commitment to accountability and transparency.

“Our Annual Education Results Report tells the story of the tremendous work that was done over the course of the last school year. It highlights the dedication of our staff, the strong support from our community, and the resulting remarkable success of our students,” said Board Chair Palazzo.

Highlights

The AERR highlights several key areas of progress and innovation in the past year. These include the introduction of new learning and support programs, increased family and community engagement, and financial stewardship. Each of these areas contributes significantly to the overall quality of education and student experience within our schools.

Student Growth and Achievement: ECSD has seen notable improvements in student performance, particularly in Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Diploma Exams. Grade 6 results remain strong, and Grade 9 and high school students have shown significant progress, reflecting the Division's strong support for academic success. High school completion rates remain high, with both three-year and five-year rates demonstrating the effectiveness of the Division's strategies in helping students graduate.

Teaching and Learning: The Division continues to invest in professional development for teachers, focusing on new curriculum implementation and inclusive teaching strategies. This ensures that educators are well-equipped to support all students. Additionally, the Division has provided new educational resources, such as decodable books and math tools, to enhance the learning experience and help students achieve their full potential.

Inclusive Education: The AERR details a focus on personalized learning plans and support for diverse learning needs. Programs like the Integrated School Support Program (ISSP) and All in for Youth (AIFY) offer comprehensive services to support student well-being, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support to thrive academically and personally.

Community Engagement: The Division has actively engaged with families, students, and staff to gather feedback and enhance programs. High levels of parental involvement and satisfaction have been noted, especially in decision-making and feedback opportunities. The ECSD Annual Survey found that 93.9% of parents/guardians agreed that they have the chance to provide input on important matters at their child’s school. The Division is committed to listening to and collaborating with the community.

Financial Stewardship: ECSD’s financial health remains strong. With higher-than-expected revenues and careful expense management, the Division has been able to continue investing in educational programs and resources. This financial stability ensures that funds are used efficiently to support student success and maintain quality educational services.

“Our commitment to providing an excellent Catholic education is reflected in the positive outcomes in this report,” said Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson. “We are proud of our students and staff for their dedication and hard work.”

The AERR tells the story of a very successful 2023-2024 school year. Great things are happening in Edmonton Catholic Schools!

Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report – Overall Summary Fall 2024

The Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report combines feedback from the Alberta Education Assurance Survey, provincial testing programs, and student outcome data to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement at the school, school division, and provincial levels.

The survey is administered by Alberta Education across the province. It was completed last winter by all ECSD students in Grades 4 to 12, certificated teaching staff, and parents/guardians of students in Grades 4 to 12.

Edmonton Catholic Schools exceeded the provincial results in 13 out of 14 of the Assurance Measures:

Student Learning Engagement
Citizenship
3-year High School Completion Rate
5-year High School Completion Rate
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 6: Acceptable
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 6: Excellence
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 9: Acceptable
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) Grade 9: Excellence
Diploma Exam Results Acceptable
Education Quality
Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Learning Environments
Access to Support and Services
Parental Involvement

"These results clearly demonstrate that Edmonton Catholic Schools is leading the way in education, consistently outperforming provincial averages. It’s a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our school communities and reaffirms our commitment to providing an excellent Catholic education,” said Board Chair Palazzo.

High School Completion

ECSD’s reported 3-year High School Completion Rate is 85.7%, and 5-year High School Completion Rate is 92.5%. Both averages are above the provincial averages of 80.4% (3-year) and 88.1% (5-year). These numbers reflect our ongoing commitment to student success.

In addition to completion rates, Edmonton Catholic Schools has implemented various programs and initiatives to boost student engagement and performance. These include personalized learning plans, mentorship opportunities, and extracurricular activities designed to cater to diverse student interests and needs. By offering a holistic approach to education, we ensure that our students are academically prepared and equipped with the necessary life skills to succeed beyond the classroom.

Alberta Education will run a similar survey in early 2025 and gather comparable data during the 2024-2025 school year.

Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination Results

Edmonton Catholic Schools has demonstrated remarkable academic excellence in the 2023-2024 school year, as highlighted by our outstanding performance in the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examination results. ECSD students have surpassed provincial averages across multiple subjects and grade levels, showcasing the important learning and hard work of our students. These achievements highlight the dedication of both students and educators.

Provincial Achievement Testing Program Results

In the 2023-2024 school year, Edmonton Catholic Schools’ students were successful in the Provincial Achievement Tests.

Highlights include:

Grade 6 students exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard and the Standard of Excellence in all subject areas.
Grade 9 students exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard in all subject areas and the Standard of Excellence in English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Grade 9 Knowledge and Employability (K&E) exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Acceptable Standard in English Language Arts. The K&E program offers an alternative program of study for students with specific learning needs.
Edmonton Catholic Schools had higher participation rates than the provincial average in all Grade 6 and 9 subject areas and Grade 9 Knowledge and Employability (K&E) English Language Arts. High participation provides a better understanding of student performance in the test areas.

Edmonton Catholic Schools has outlined several strategic initiatives to build on these successes. These include introducing new resources and professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance instruction and student outcomes. Additionally, the Division is focusing on instructional planning to address areas for growth while offering more opportunities for collaboration among teachers to share best practices and develop common assessments.

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Diploma Examinations Program Results

In the 2023-2024 school year, Edmonton Catholic Schools’ students were successful in the Diploma Examination Results. Several areas for targeted improvement were identified to support continued success.

Edmonton Catholic Schools has exceeded the provincial percentage of students achieving the Diploma Examination standards in:

English Language Arts 30-1 – Acceptable Standard
English Language Arts 30-2 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
Social Studies 30-1 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
Social Studies 30-2 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
French Language Arts 30-1 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
Mathematics 30-1 – Acceptable Standard
Mathematics 30-2 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
Science 30 – Acceptable Standard & Standard of Excellence
Biology 30 – Acceptable Standard
Physics 30 – Acceptable Standard

To build on our strengths and continuous improvement, the Division has outlined several strategic initiatives:

In English Language Arts and Literature, the focus is on improving student writing and reading comprehension through targeted feedback and common summative assessments.
In Mathematics, the development of high-quality written response questions, common summative assessments, and professional learning communities is emphasized.
In Science, there is an emphasis on mindful science pedagogy, improving laboratory facilities, and supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) students.
In Social Studies, the integration of visible thinking routines, Universal Design for Learning, and support for EAL learners is prioritized.
In French Immersion, efforts are directed towards enhancing grammar and language understanding and supporting diverse learner needs.
For EAL student success, the focus is on expanding professional development for teachers and administrators and implementing new assessment tools.

"I am incredibly proud of this year’s Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations results. As a former teacher, I am thrilled to see Catholic education thriving and supporting student success. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and staff,” shared Chair Palazzo. "We will continue to build on this success and strive for even greater accomplishments in the future."

Reflecting on the results, Chief Superintendent Anderson added, "Seeing the improvements in results for the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations, particularly in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, is very encouraging. Our investment in professional development and collaboration for teachers continues to enhance the student learning experience and positively impact academic outcomes."