School trustees are heralding the district’s six-year completion rates, which have reached nearly 80 per cent.
This represents the percentage of students who enter Grade 8 and complete the requirements for a Dogwood diploma within six years.
In her annual report on student achievement, Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said their completion rate of 79 per cent is an increase from 76 per cent from the previous year.
She noted the completion rates of female students improved significantly from 77 per cent to 83 per cent. Male students have remained at 75 per cent from the previous year.
Young said the completion rate for aboriginal students has reached an all-time high at 75 per cent (increasing from 67 per cent), which is “pretty amazing.”
Young attributed this to several things, including working with aboriginal families.
“We are very hopeful that this trend will continue,” she said.
Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie agreed.
“A lot of credit goes to the Native programming and Native education workers within the school district, and the Osoyoos Indian Band education staff, plus all the teachers and principals.”
Young noted the district is maintaining strong achievement in reading and writing (above the provincial average).
She added that the gap between all students and aboriginal students is narrowing, particularly in reading and writing.
Young said one of the challenges the district is facing is the transient nature of families. She noted a higher percentage of students left the province in the last two years.
Other challenges include student engagement and social/emotional learning (anxiety).
However, Young pointed out that 73 per cent of Grade 10 students say they are “trying their best” in school.
Young said the board is addressing the challenges through the following: summer reading program; Roots of Empathy; Mind Up program; and early learning partnerships.
“Investing in our teachers is making a real difference in student achievement,” Young pointed out.
School board chair Marieze Tarr expressed her pride in the students’ completion rate, thanking everyone involved.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
