DSBN Mathematics Results Continue Upward Climb on EQAO Assessments

DSBN students continue to improve their mathematics results thanks to hard work, persistence, and dedicated support from teachers and school staff. According to EQAO data, DSBN elementary students once again surpassed provincial success rates by significant margins in math. Secondary students also saw improvements in their results.  

In Grade 3 math, 76% of students met or exceeded the provincial standard, which represents a two-point improvement over 2016-17 results. The Board’s Grade 3 results are 15 percentage points above the province. Grade 6 math results saw a similar two-point improvement over the previous year’s results. In 2017-18, 61% of students achieved at least a Level 3 on the test, which is 12 points above the provincial success rate.

Several strategies contributed to these improvements. The DSBN continues to offer free Math AQ (Additional Qualification) courses for teachers to build upon their skills and proficiency in this critical area. Additionally, Instructional Coaches are embedded within schools, supporting teacher practice and providing more professional development for teachers. In keeping with the strategic plan’s commitment to individualized support, teachers are tailoring their instructional approach to meet the unique learning needs of each student.

In the secondary panel, students experienced similar success; 84% of Grade 9 Academic students were successful on the EQAO, which represents a four-point improvement over the previous year’s results. Academic math performance mirrored the provincial result. Applied students also experienced a five-point gain, with 57% of students surpassing the provincial standard. Applied results are now 11% above the provincial results.

Grade 3, 6 Reading, Writing

DSBN students continue to demonstrate a high proficiency in literacy.

Grade 3 reading scores increased one point to 84%, which is nine points above the provincial success rate. Students maintained their strong performance in writing with an 83% of students successful on the test. Writing results are 11 points above the province.

In 2017-18, 87% of Grade 6 students were successful on the reading assessment, an increase of two percentage points over the previous year, and five points above the provincial result. Students improved their progress in writing, with 84% successful on the assessment. The DSBN’s result is four percentage points above the province.

OSSLT

Results decreased on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In 2017-18, 77% of students were successful on the test, which is nine points below the 2016-17 results. The provincial success rate this year was 79%.

There is good reason to believe the decline in scores is a blip on the radar. Since 2013-14, the DSBN’s OSSLT results have been consistently 82% or higher. Board staff will continue to examine the data from this most recent test to identify specific areas requiring additional attention and support.

Quotes

“Math has been identified as an area of focus at the DSBN, and across Ontario. We have devoted significant resources and effort to supporting our students and teachers in this critical area. It is encouraging to see the progress our students are making. Our goal is to help students become life-long mathematicians that have the skills, confidence, and perseverance to be successful,” said Warren Hoshizaki.

“The success students are experiencing is due to their hard work and our classroom teachers’ dedication to instructional learning and commitment to individual needs of students. The continued upward trend revealed in many of the areas assessed by the EQAO indicates that the focus and strategies implemented by the DSBN are making a positive impact,” said JoAnna Roberto, Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Achievement (K – 8).

“We are confident the OSSLT results are a one-year aberration. DSBN secondary students have shown consistently strong results over the past number of years. Our literacy consultant and coaches will be meeting with each school to review the data and to develop plans to support the learning needs of all students,” said Helen McGregor, Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Achievement (9 – 12).