SUDBURY—Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) had the highest results among English-language school boards in Northeastern Ontario in the 2022-2023 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments in primary reading, writing and math as well as junior reading and math. The results were presented to trustees during the regular meeting of the board held recently.
RDSB Director of Education Bruce Bourget commended school administrators and staff for the gains in literacy and numeracy, the foundation for all learning. He also congratulated the students on their achievement.
“The use of best practices for reading instruction through a variety of initiatives, including lighthouse classrooms, consultant support and ongoing professional learning are proving successful,” said Mr. Bourget. Students are receiving daily reading instruction, with an explicit focus on phonological awareness, phonics and comprehensive strategies.
While the board maintained its result in Grades 1-3 reading (with students at 72 percent in levels three or four), there was an increase in Grades 1-3 writing (62 percent at level three or four compared to 59 percent in 2021-2022) as teachers continue to provide rich writing opportunities for students to develop their proficiency.
“We are proud of the progress our students are making, and credit an ongoing focus on daily writing for the increased success in this area,” said Director Bourget.
The RDSB also maintained its results in Grade 3 math, ranking first among English-language school boards in the Northeast region. “We continue to focus on providing students with high fidelity math instruction, supported by the work of our consultants, coaches and coordinators in all grade levels.”
In Grade 6 reading, the board is closely aligned with the provincial results. Students continue to receive responsive, tiered supports to make them more confident readers.
Unlike the Grade 3 results, there was a decrease in Grade 4 to 6 writing (from 83 percent in 2021-2022 to 79 percent in 2022-2023). “Dedicated time for reading and writing daily will ensure ongoing improvement in this area,” said Director Bourget. “We anticipate growth as we implement strategies to strengthen literacy programming in the junior grades.”
The most notable increase at the Grade 4-6 level was in math (41 percent from 36 percent). “We are pleased that our work in mathematics is resulting in an upward trajectory, and we are continuing to build on these efforts,” said Director Bourget.
In Grade 9 math, there is only two years of data since the implementation of the destreamed curriculum. Year-over-year results showed improvement, with RDSB ranking second in the Northeast Region. “With School Math Action Plans and math coaches to support the implementation of best practices, we are planning and working diligently to see continued growth in student achievement,” said Director Bourget.
There was a small decline in the number of eligible Grade 10 students who passed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). The board will continue to identify the learning needs of students through assessments and provide intervention strategies for Grades 7 to 9.
EQAO results provide a measure of how well students understand the expectations outlined in The Ontario Curriculum. Student assessment is most effective when data is interpreted in context, examined over time to determine trends in performance, and used to inform professional dialogue and school improvement planning.
“We recognize that there is more work to be done and we are being very purposeful in our work. We invite parents/guardians, our partners in education, to support student success at home,” continued Director Bourget. “Reading to children and having them read to you helps students become better readers and writers. Engaging in activities that involve adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing helps students become better mathematicians. These are not only important skills for learning, but they are also important skills for living.”
Primary and junior reading, writing and mathematics tests were written in late May and early June. Just over 900 students participated in the primary assessment and the junior assessment. Very few students were exempt from the assessments. The Grade 9 math assessments were completed in January (semester one) and June (semester two). A total of 939 students participated in the Grade 9 math assessments.
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) was written in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023. A total of 938 first time eligible Grade 10 students wrote the OSSLT.
The Ministry of Education has set level 3 as the provincial standard. Students in level 4 have demonstrated a very high to outstanding level of achievement (80 percent to 100 percent). Achievement is above the provincial standard. Students in level 3 have demonstrated a high level of achievement (70-79 percent).
