The results are in for Chinook’s two key priorities of
Balanced Literacy and
Math Momentum. The initiatives have had a positive impact on learning in the classroom, and students are experiencing significant growth and success in both literacy and math.
The Board has just received reports indicating that in June 2014, 11% more students were meeting or exceeding expectations in math than the previous year. This means a three-year increase of 29%, surpassing the Board’s initial goal of 25% a year early.
Bob Vavra, Superintendent of Learning, explains the specific data of the grades that were assessed, “The cohort currently in Grade 3 has benefitted from Math Momentum for their entire school career and the results are showing, with 89% of students at or above grade level. The Grade 6 group has increased success by 25% and the Grade 9 students increased 42% in three years,” said Vavra, “Looking at the data available from other grades, we can conclude that this is a good representation of the data for all students in Chinook.” The focus of Math Momentum in 2014-2015 will be on implementing a systematic intervention plan that will help students who are struggling. A maintenance plan will also be developed to for implementation beyond 2015.
It is evident that Balanced Literacy has had a great impact on the success of Chinook students as well. At the end of year three of the maintenance phase, overall 83% of students were meeting or exceeding expectations. This indicates a 20% improvement since the Balanced Literacy initiative was introduced in 2008.
Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) is an intense, short-term reading intervention designed to provide assistance for struggling readers. In 2013-2014, 94% of students who completed LLI successfully reached their grade level expectation. The Chinook Board of Education was recently a recipient of the Premier’s Award for the LLI program, which is currently in all schools for students in grade 1 and 2 and will continue to be expanded to include upper elementary.
“We are so proud of our teachers and staff for the work they have done in math and literacy in recent years. It has had a very positive impact on students, which lives up to our philosophy of 'Learning For All' in Chinook,” said Director of Education, Liam Choo-Foo, “Balanced Literacy has become how we do business in our classrooms, and is recognized provincially. The fact that we surpassed our four year goal for Math Momentum in our third year is reason for celebration.”
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For more information, contact:
Joanne Booth, Communications Coordinator
Chinook School Division
Phone: 306-778-9200 Ext 218
jbooth@chinooksd.ca
