Palliser’s academic results continue to be higher than provincial average in nearly every subject of Grade 6 and 9 Provincial Achievement Tests and diploma examinations.
Associate Superintendent Education Services Pat Rivard said the results demonstrate that Palliser’s literacy program is supporting students in all subject areas, not just language arts. He presented the results to the Board of Trustees Oct. 18.
In PATs, Palliser students achieving the acceptable standard exceeded the provincial percentage in 10 of 12 exam areas. The two exceptions were both Knowledge and Employability programs, an alternative program of study for Grade 9 students who have difficulty in one or more subject areas.
Examples of outstanding PAT results include:
- 92.2% of Palliser students achieved the acceptable standard in Grade 6 English Language Arts, compared to 82.9% provincially. Of those Grade 6 English students, more than one in three, or 34.8%, achieved the provincial standard of excellence, compared to 20.4% provincially.
- 86.6% of Grade 6 Science students in Palliser achieved the acceptable standard, compared to 78% provincially; 38.3% of Palliser students achieved the standard of excellence, compared to 27.1% provincially.
- 82.9% of Palliser students achieved the acceptable standard in Grade 6 Math with 25.4% achieving the standard of excellence. That compares to 72.2% and 14%, respectively, across Alberta.
Palliser students achieving the acceptable standard exceeded the provincial percentage in seven of 10 diploma exam areas. Of note:
- 90.8% of Palliser students achieved the acceptable standard in Social Studies 30-1, compared to 84.9% provincially. In Social 30-2, 89.8% of Palliser students achieved the acceptable standard, compared to 81.1% across Alberta.
- 89% of Palliser students achieved the acceptable standard in English 30-1, compared to 86.8% in Alberta; 96.2% of Palliser students writing the English 30-2 diploma exam achieved the acceptable standard, compared to 89.1% provincially.
Rivard pointed out Palliser’s participation rate in diploma exams continues to be very high as teachers encourage students to challenge themselves in 30-1 level courses, rather than 30-2 courses. The choice helps students keep their options open for post-secondary study.
Acting Superintendent Dr. Garry Andrews said the results overall are very strong, an indication of exceptional work occurring across Palliser.
Highlights of the Oct. 18 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees are available for download in PDF format.
A PDF of the October 2016 Accountability Pillar updated with the 2015-2016 student achievement results can be downloaded here.
For more information on the Accountability Pillar and what it measures, please see the Alberta Education brochure.