Primary students make tremendous improvements in reading and writing skills

Premier Roger Grimes and Education Minister Judy Foote announced today tremendous improvements in the reading and writing skills of primary students based on recent assessments. The primary literacy assessments, called the Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs), were given to Grade 3 students in June 2002.

"These achievement gains are unprecedented and are a measurement in real terms of the accomplishments of our students and teachers," said Premier Grimes. "These improvements are proof that fundamental change is happening because our collective efforts to improve literacy are working."

As compared to earlier reading and writing test results, the recent tests show there has been a significant increase in the number of Grade 3 students across Newfoundland and Labrador who are able to read and understand stories, books, and other reading materials at the required level for Grade 4. This year, results showed that 79 per cent of the students were reading at the required level as compared to 63 per cent just last year. There has also been a significant increase in the number of children who are writing at a level that exceeds what is required for Grade 4. Over one-third of our students are entering elementary school with exemplary writing skills and approximately 90 per cent are writing at the required level.

"Our primary students have made outstanding learning gains," said Premier Grimes. "With this strong foundation in literacy skills, as they progress through school and into post-secondary education they will be well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing opportunities occurring in this province."

CRTs are tests that are specifically matched to the curriculum taught in the province�s schools. They are developed, validated and marked by teams of primary teachers. All students in Grade 3, including students receiving special supports, complete these tests. Previously, the primary tests were administered every three years. Last year, as part of a strategy to closely monitor its literacy initiatives, the department began testing annually. This reflects this government�s accountability for delivery of the education system in this province.

"Our 1995 results told us we needed to take action to improve the reading and writing skills of our primary students," said Minister Foote. "Our teachers, principals, and district and departmental staff took on the challenge to improve language arts performance with a range of significant initiatives."

These initiatives include:

• Innovative initiatives at the district and school levels;
• Annual provincial testing in reading and writing;
• Use of test results to improve teaching and learning;
• A new language arts curriculum with new resources;
• Comprehensive annual in-service for all primary students;
• Reading specialists in school districts;
• More instructional time in language arts;
• Programs for children with reading difficulties;
• New teacher resources for assessing reading in the classroom;
• Read and Succeed program;
• For the Love of Reading Challenge.

"Our teachers and schools responded with overwhelming enthusiasm for the new literacy focus. These gains in reading and writing levels are a result of the hard work of our primary teachers, the support of our parents and the commitment of our young students," said Minister Foote. "We are building a culture of literacy in our schools and communities."

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier (709) 729-3960
Carmel Turpin, Department of Education (709) 729-0048

2002 10 03                                       10:45 a.m.