Rocky View Schools (RVS) continues to perform at a high level across multiple frameworks when compared to provincial averages, according to its 2014/15 Annual Education Results Report (AERR), approved by the board of trustees Dec. 3.
The AERR, which includes results from two “accountability reports” involving surveys with parents, teachers and students, compares outcomes this year with those of years past to track whether improvement in the jurisdiction has increased, decreased or remained the same.
As part of this year’s AERR, RVS tracked results based on its four main drivers – ensuring universal accessibility, focusing on personalized learning, building 21st century competency and accelerating research and development. Across all four zones, RVS generally continues to meet or exceed provincial averages.
“We’re very lucky that we are high-performing. We have great staff, and a great talent pool (of students),” Board Chair Colleen Munro said. “There are some dips this year, but our (Superintendent of Schools Don Hoium) has identified those dips and we have a plan moving forward to (address) them.”
Among dips in RVS schools is the rate of high school competition, down to 80.9 per cent from last year’s number of 84.7 per cent – though that figure still ranks higher than this year’s provincial average of 76.4 per cent.
Diploma exam participation has also decreased over a three-year average in RVS, from 62.8 per cent to 53.9 per cent. That rate falls slightly below this year’s provincial average of diploma exam participation, at 54.9 per cent.
“You always have to look at the things that pop out and put together a plan to move forward with them,” Munro said. “I look forward to seeing our high school completion rates go back up to see where we can be the best in the province.”
RVS received “very high” achievement grades in areas like “safe and caring schools” (88 per cent), “program of studies” (82 per cent) and “drop-out rate” (2.5 per cent).
“I guess we’re lucky to be a high performing school division,” Trustee Norma Lang said. “These are easy results to look at with lots to celebrate here.”
The AERR will now be submitted as a report to Alberta Education. To view full results, visit rockyview.ab.ca
