INNISFAIL - The 11,000-student Chinook’s Edge School Division plans to increase leadership programming in an attempt to address a decline in citizenship satisfaction among students, parents and teachers, according to the Annual Education Results Report 2022-23.
Prepared under the direction of the board of trustees in accordance with the responsibilities under the Eduction Act and the Fiscal Planning and Transparency Act, the recently-released report looked at academic excellence, social emotional well-being, and career connections in the division.
The report was considered and accepted by trustees at a board meeting last month and has now been forwarded to Alberta Eduction.
The social emotional well-being section of the report outlined performance measures for citizenship, safe and caring schools, learning support and access to services, staff confidence and connection, and staff health and wellness.
The percentage of teachers, parents and student surveyed who are satisfied that students model the characteristics of active citizenship was 76.9 per cent in 2023, down from 78.4 in 2022 and 80.9 in 2021.
“We are disappointed to see citizenship satisfaction continue to decline,” the report states. “School staff members responding across our division with increased focus on leadership programming to work to improve culture in their buildings.
“We continue to see some divisive in our communities around topics such as immunization, sexual orientation and gender identify and a general mistrust in government operations. These controversies seep into the perceptions of students around citizenship in our schools.
“We look forward to regaining momentum around the characteristics of citizenship.”
The percentage of teachers, parents and student who agree that their learning environments are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe was 83.5 per cent in 2023, down from 85.2 in 2022 and 87.3 in 2021.
Specifically for parents, the percentage dropped from 82.9 per cent in 2022 to 78.9 in 2023.
“It is concerning to see parent satisfaction declining which has impacted our overall division rating. Every student deserved to feel welcomed, safe and accepted in our schools (and) strategies to ensure this acceptance include visible signage, espouse discipline and restorative practices, and positive programs such as Youth Empowerment Success to bring preventative program to our students.”
The percentage of students, teachers and parents satisfied with their access to supports and services was 81.3 per cent in 2023, down slightly from 82.1 in 2022 and 83.6 in 2021.
“We are pleased with the overall level of satisfaction regarding this measure, particularly as we have been through difficult times and see our students and families reaching out for support in many ways.”
Overall student attendance in 2022-23 was 61 per cent, up slightly from 59 per cent in 2021-22. In 2020-21 the rate was 70 per cent.
“School staff are increasing communication strategies, extending support, and reaching out to understand the reason behind student absenteeism. While each family and student has their own attendance story, we may need to explore alternatives for students unable to be present in the classroom.”
The complete Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 is available for viewing on the CESD website.
