An education report released by the Foothills School Division found areas for improvement along with reasons to celebrate.
The Annual Education Results Report (AERR) is completed by all school boards in Alberta and includes survey results from parents with children in grades 4, 7 and 10, and data from Alberta Education.
In addition to the provincial survey, Foothills School Division (FSD) sends its own survey to parents of children in kindergarten to Grade 12. The FSD survey includes the same questions, with additional division-specific questions.
FSD said its survey has a much higher response rate and gathers more information, allowing it to compare results and give a clear picture of successes and challenges.
According to the results, FSD said its students feel safe, have a sense of belonging and are receiving top-quality education opportunities.
Academically, the rate of acceptable diploma exam and provincial achievement test results outrank the provincial average, as does the three-year-high school completion rate.
Using its own survey, FSD ranked at or above the provincial average in citizenship, student learning engagement and education quality.
“This year’s AERR reflects the division’s progress toward meeting these priorities,” board chair Teresa Letendre said in the report.
Challenges identified by the survey, that put FSD below the provincial average, include access to school supports, parental involvement and school improvement.
The school improvement metric found that 56 per cent of parents say that their child's school, and schools in their area, improved or stayed the same over the past three years, and FSD said disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the score.
The data will help form strategies to address areas for growth and expand upon areas to celebrate, FSD said.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our valued FSD team for their dedication and contribution to continuous improvement, designing and delivering high quality learning opportunities to our students, and providing welcoming, safe, caring and inclusive learning environments that are supportive and reflective of our diversity of learners.” Letendre said.
The complete report is available at foothillsschooldivision.ca, along with additional resources to help break down the results.
About 8,000 students attend FSD schools in Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley and rural communities in Foothills County.
