It’s ‘report card’ time for Edmonton Catholic Schools! At the November 29, 2023 Public Meeting of the Board, the Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report and the Annual Education Results Report were shared with the Board of Trustees.

Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results

The Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report combines feedback from the Alberta Education Assurance Survey, provincial testing, and student outcome data to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement at the school, school division, and provincial levels. 

The survey was completed last winter by all students in Grades 4 to 12, certified teaching staff, and parents/guardians of students in Grades 4 to 12. 

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is instrumental in helping us understand how to better serve our families and in shaping the future of Catholic education in our schools," said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo.

Edmonton Catholic Schools exceeded the provincial results in 11 out of 12 of the Assurance Measures: 

• Student Learning Engagement 
• Citizenship 
• 3-year High School Completion Rate 
• 5-year High School Completion Rate 
• Provincial Achievement Tests Acceptable 
• Provincial Achievement Tests Excellence 
• Diploma Exam Results Acceptable 
• Education Quality
• Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Learning Environments
• Access to Support and Services
• Parental Involvement 

"I am very pleased with the overall results. This report not only reinforces our areas of strength but also guides us in addressing our areas for growth. It underscores the confidence our community has in the Catholic education we provide, helping us to continue offering the best possible educational experience to our students," shared Board Chair Palazzo.

High School Completion

ECSD’s reported 3-year High School Completion Rate is 85.9% and 5-year High School Completion Rate 93.2%. Both averages are above the provincial averages of 80.7% (3-year) and 88.6% (5-year). 

"We're committed to seeing every student cross that graduation stage. It's about understanding and embracing the unique journey each student takes. Some may need a bit more time, and that's okay. Our Division's strong support for these varied paths is something we're really proud of," said Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson.

Next Steps

The Division and our schools will continue to evaluate the results from the Alberta Education Assurance Measure Results Report. Alberta Education will conduct a similar survey in early 2024 as well as collect comparable data during the 2023-2024 school year.

The full report can be found here and will be reflected in our Division and School Assurance Dashboards in the new year.

Annual Education Results Report (AERR)

Every year, Alberta Education requires school divisions to submit an Annual Education Results Report (AERR). The 2022-2023 AERR provides an overview of educational outcomes, reports on comparing local and provincial performance measures, and shares the strategies that were influential in achieving those outcomes. The report covers a range of domains, including Local and Societal Context, Student Growth and Achievement, Teaching and Leading, Learning Supports, and Governance.

The Annual Education Results Report is just one of the tools we use to support the Division Plan for Continuous Growth and demonstrates our commitment to accountability and transparency. 

“This year’s report is a clear indication of the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved in Edmonton Catholic Schools. Our families, staff, and community members have worked tirelessly to provide an excellent Catholic education to our students and families,” said Board Chair Palazzo.

AERR Highlights

The AERR highlights several key areas of progress and innovation in the past year. These include the introduction of new learning and support programs, enhanced efforts towards inclusivity and diversity, increased family and community engagement, and financial stewardship. Each of these areas contributes significantly to the overall quality of education and student experience within our schools.

• Learning and Support Programs: The AERR details the successful implementation of various innovative learning and support programs. These include behavioural therapy, emotional and mental health support, and low-incidence support programs. Such initiatives have significantly enhanced the learning experiences and outcome for our students.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Our schools have taken significant strides in equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism (EDIAR) initiatives. The successful implementation of the EDIAR Strategic Plan is a testament to our dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff.
• Engagement: Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to the continuous engagement of students, families, and staff. In the 2022-2023 school year, there were a number of opportunities for our community to share their feedback. As shown in the growth of the Assurance Measures surrounding parental involvement, ECSD’s families (83.6%) shared they were satisfied with their involvement in the decisions about their child’s education.
• Financial Stewardship: The financial section of the AERR reflects prudent and effective management of resources, ensuring the highest standards of educational excellence are maintained while staying within budgetary constraints.

The AERR tells the story of a very successful 2022-2023 school year. Great things are happening in Edmonton Catholic Schools!