|
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to inform my colleagues about the significant advances in Newfoundland and Labrador's educational standing both nationally and internationally as indicated in the 2003 results of the Programme for International Student Assessment, commonly known as PISA. PISA is an international, school-based assessment administered in OECD countries. The tests are designed to measure performance of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science. In 2003, 41 countries participated (up from 32 countries in 2000). The 2003 assessment results show that students in Newfoundland and Labrador achieved far above the international average in all three testing areas. Most significantly though, Mr. Speaker, is that our students are now achieving at the Canadian average in reading and science. Our mathematics scores have also improved significantly over the 2000 assessment and, while we are not yet at the Canadian average, our improvement in mathematics leads the country. It should also be noted, Mr. Speaker, that Newfoundland and Labrador leads the Atlantic Provinces in all three testing areas. Mr. Speaker, in terms of our performance in relation to other Canadians, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are now 5th in Canada in reading, up from 9th in 2000. We are also 5th in science, up from 7th in the previous PISA assessment and in mathematics, our improved performance saw us move from 9th in the country to 6th. This is excellent news, Mr. Speaker, for all of us who care about education in this province. Mr. Speaker, we fully recognize these kinds of assessments do not measure everything that is happening in our schools. We know that learning is more than just test results. However, these results measure the skills and knowledge that individuals bring to their post-secondary studies, to their jobs, and to society. These results give our students and their parents the secure knowledge that the education they are receiving in Newfoundland and Labrador will ensure they are well prepared to meet the challenges of post-secondary studies and the labour market. Several key factors can be credited for this demonstrated improvement. For the past several years, the Department of Education has had a renewed focus on assessment for the purpose of improving student achievement. As a part of this process, follow-up with schools and school districts and extensive teacher involvement has resulted in more effective use of test results for instructional planning and greater attention to the details of the curriculum, much of which has been reformed and improved in recent years. I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge former Ministers of Education, including my honourable colleague to my right, and honourable colleagues opposite for the work they did after 2000 to raise the profile of the PISA assessments within our education system. Mr. Speaker, most importantly, this improvement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of educators throughout the province. Their diligence has produced results which instill confidence in our education system. While there are still areas for us to improve, I look forward to PISA 2006, knowing that we have professional educators and administrators with the dedication and expertise to help our students continue to achieve. Thank you. News Release - Province shows significant gains in international testing program |
||
|
