HWDSB Sees Improvement in Student Reading and High Priority Schools
Hamilton, Ontario – November 12, 2019: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Trustees heard improvements in the key areas of reading, math and graduation through the Student Learning and Achievement report, presented at the Board of Trustees Meeting on Tuesday, November 12.
READING
Staff presented that the percentage of grade one students earning a B on their June 2019 report card was 71 per cent, an increase of five per cent from June 2018.
“We know that early reading is the foundation of success in all subject areas,” said Manny Figueiredo, Director of Education. “This is why our Reading Specialists are supporting classroom educators in using our early reading strategy tools to assess student learning needs, student progress, planning for the next steps in learning, and in delivering instruction. We are seeing the evidence that the early reading strategy is having a positive impact on our students and we expect to see this improvement reflected in the future on grade 3 reading results.”
For the 2019-20 school year, HWDSB will continue to focus on reading by providing educators with professional learning, continue the implementation of effective reading instruction and assessment practices, regularly monitor the progress students make, and provide enhanced support for reading in High Priority Schools.
MATHEMATICS
Staff presented that HWDSB students are narrowing the gap between the province for those students performing at or above the provincial standard on the junior (Grade 6) EQAO math assessment.
“We have put an intentional focus on our efforts in Grade 6 classrooms to understand why student achievement declines from Grades 3 to 6,” continued Director Figueiredo. “Through working with our educators in Grades 4 to 6, we are seeing that change in educator practice, such as small group instruction based on learning needs and accessing and using HWDSB developed resources. We have more to do to further close this gap and improve student outcomes in mathematics”
For the 2019-20 school year, HWDSB will continue to provide differentiated professional learning, implementing effective math practices in classrooms to focus on fundamental concepts and skills, and continue to monitor the progress students make towards understanding math concepts by the end of Grade 6.
GRADUATION
Staff presented that HWDSB has maintained the graduation rate above 80 per cent for the fourth consecutive year.
“Seeing our students graduate is our ultimate goal,” said Director Figueiredo. “By closing the gaps in student achievement, helping students understand their pathways and using data to identify and intervene with students at risk of not graduating, has helped us to continue to have four out of five high school students graduate within five years.”
For the 2019-20 school year, HWDSB will continue to provide professional learning on meeting the needs of students in-risk for Grades 7 through 10, continue our focus on instructional and student success practices for student in-risk of not graduating, and continue to regularly monitor the profess all secondary school students make towards graduation.
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Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
T: 905.527.5092 x2941 C: 905.515.6227
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.