The 2023-2024 assessment results for the Limestone District School Board have recently been released by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). LDSB results align with provincial outcomes in some areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups.
The elementary school report provides assessments of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics written by students in Grades 3 and 6. The secondary school report provides similar information relating to the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
Grade 3 student achievement saw a 10% to 14% increase in all subject areas in Limestone, compared to the 2022/23 assessment results, with 69% meeting the provincial standard in reading, 60% in writing, and 57% in math. Results for the province showed a slight decline from the previous year for Grade 3 reading and writing, a slight increase in Grade 3 math, and were 2% to 4% higher than Limestone across Grade 3 assessments.
This new data shows improvement in all subjects, with math achievement showing the most significant difference for students in Grade 3. “These achievements reflect the efforts of both our central and teaching staff, as well as the dedication of our students,” states Krishna Burra, Director of Education. “Our students’ achievements are a result of innovative teaching strategies combined with a strong emphasis on foundational literacy and math.”
Of significant note, is the gains in achievement in Grade 3 reading, writing, and mathematics made by Limestone students with special needs – up 12%, 14%, and 15% respectively compared to the 2022/23 assessment results.
With a similar trend to the province, Grade 6 student achievement in Limestone continues to improve in reading and math with 79% meeting the provincial standard in reading and 40% in math – up 1% and 3% respectively compared to the previous assessment in 2022/23. In writing, there was a 2% decrease compared to the prior year’s assessment with 73% meeting the standard over last year. Achievement in reading and math for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone has increased by 4% and 6%, respectively since the 2022/23 assessment, and is higher than the province for reading. Achievement in writing for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone is slightly lower than the province.
“We are committed to focusing on making sure students are learning essential skills while also increasing student engagement to support students’ achievement,” says Director Burra. “Furthermore, we will continue using this data to support rich learning environments for every student.” As an example, this year schools will continue to receive the support of Learning Partners, School-Based Math Facilitators (elementary), and Instructional coaches (secondary). Schools have also received rich instructional resources to support evidence-based literacy and math programming K-12, along with a variety of professional learning sessions for educators to support foundational literacy and math skills.
Over the coming weeks, principals will share school results with their school communities and will analyze the results in detail to identify next steps.
2024 Results
Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3):
Area of Assessment | LDSB | Province |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 69% | 71% |
Writing | 60% | 64% |
Mathematics | 57% | 61% |
Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6):
Area of Assessment | LDSB | Province |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 79% | 82% |
Writing | 73% | 80% |
Mathematics | 40% | 50% |
Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment:
Results for Grade 9 math in Limestone are slightly lower compared to the provincial results. For all participating students in the Grade 9 math assessment, 50% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone and 54% achieved the provincial standard provincially. Grade 9 math results decreased by 1% as compared to last year. Results for students with special education needs achieving the provincial standard are similar to the province at 28% for Limestone compared to 29% for the province.
Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment | LDSB | Province |
|---|---|---|
Grade 9 Math Course | 50% | 54% |
“We recognize there is still work to be done,” states Director Burra. “Our commitment to student success remains steadfast, with early literacy, math instruction, and closing learning gaps as top priorities for both our staff and students. Early identification of those not meeting literacy and numeracy milestones is crucial, and we continue to focus on providing the support every student needs to thrive.”
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (administered in Grade 10):
This year, 94% of first-time eligible students wrote the test in Limestone, compared to 92% of students in the province. With this high participation rate, 81% of all students in Limestone were successful, an increase of 2% compared to the 2022/23 school year.
OSSLT results for students with special education continue to show an improvement for the 2023/24 year, with 61% of Limestone students being successful on the assessment.
Grade 10 OSSLT | LDSB | Province |
|---|---|---|
Participation rate | 94% | 92% |
Success rate | 81% | 85% |
Students who are not successful on their first attempt are eligible to rewrite the test the following year, as previously eligible students, or to meet the literacy requirement by taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course.
Students in all publicly funded schools in Ontario are required to write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in literacy in Grades 3, 6, and 10 and math skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in relation to Ontario Curriculum expectations. Successful completion of the literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The EQAO assessments have undergone significant changes, with the newest digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past three years.