INNISFAIL - A new Alberta Education report that looked at all grades in the Chinook’s Edge School Division highlights welcome progress in high school graduation rates and overall academic achievement, says superintendent Kurt Sacher.
The annual Accountability Pillar report is compiled using such things as student achievement data and stakeholder surveys.
The 2018 report shows Chinook’s Edge has achieved its highest-ever level of high school completion and transition to post-secondary education rates.
The graduation rate sits at 83 per cent, above the provincial average of 78.
As well, the division’s students are above the provincial average in both diploma exams and provincial achievement tests (PAT).
Sacher said the results indicate that the division’s focus on literacy, career connections, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement is translating into student success.
“We are very pleased with the results,” said Sacher. “The high school completion rate is very good and we think that has a lot to do with the culture in our school division of everyone doing the best they can to take collective responsibility for every single child. The dropout rates have come down and we are proud of that for sure. We are really pleased as a system.
“You ask what can we still improve in? We still are looking forward to seeing even more growth in the area of excellence at the PAT and diploma level.”
Board chair Colleen Butler echoed Sacher’s comments, calling the report results an indication of division-wide success.
“The board is very pleased with these results and proud of the achievements of our students and staff,” Butler said in a press release. “Excellent work has been accomplished in our schools and that leads to a lifetime of success for the students we serve.”
Associate superintendent Karyn Barber has implemented a number of processes to increase student achievement over the past three years.
“We have spent a great deal of time on our strategic goals around academic achievement because we want every student to progress through each grade and continue on a career pathway that they are passionate about,” Barber said in the press release.
The complete Accountability Pillar report is available for viewing on the division’s website at www.cesd73.ca under the Plans and Reports section.
