www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 19, 2008 - 11 Halton educators give top marks for EQAO results By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Halton students are continuing to exceed provincial averages on standardized reading, writing and math tests. Both Halton Catholic and public school boards have released results of last year's Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) tests. Test results show that Grade 3, 6 and 9 students with both boards are more consistently achieving the provincial standards than students across the province. "I am encouraged by the continued hard work, commitment and dedication of both our staff and students," said Michael W. Pautler, director of education for the Halton Catholic board. "We will continue with both our board and school improvement planning, to support student learning and promote our Catholic learning communities as a culture of high learning expec- tations, rooted in faith." Each spring, students in Grades 3 and 6 are tested on reading, writing and math skills, while Grade 9 students undergo a math assessment. Students are graded from Level 1 to 4, with Level 3 roughly a B grade --identified as the provincial standard. On the Grade 3 reading tests, 72 per cent of Halton Catholic students and 67 per cent of public school board students met that standard. The provincial average was 61 per cent. In Grade 3 writing, 75 per cent of Catholic students and 68 per cent of public students performed at Level 3 or higher. The provincial average was 66 per cent. Grade 3 math saw 80 per cent of Catholic students and 71 per cent of public students meet the provincial standard, compared to an Ontario-wide average of 68 per cent. On the Grade 6 reading assessment, 73 per cent of Catholic students and 67 per cent of public students achieved Level 3 or higher. The provincial average was 66 per cent. In Grade 6 writing, 75 per cent of Catholic students and 68 per cent of Halton's public students achieved the standard. The provincial average was 67 per cent. Grade 6 math saw 73 per cent of Catholic students and 64 per cent of public students meet the standard. The provincial average was 61 per cent. On the Grade 9 math assessment, 80 per cent of Catholic students and 82 per cent of public students taking an Academic program achieved Level 3 or higher. The provincial average was 76 per cent. In the Applied program, 41 per cent of Grade 9 Catholic students and 46 per cent of public board students achieved the provincial standard. The provincial average was 34 per cent. "Our commitment is to see continued positive growth in our Grade 3, 6 and 9 scores," said Ruth Peden, associate director of education for the Halton public school board. School-by-school EQAO results for the Halton District School Board can be found at www.haltondsb.on.ca while results for the Halton Catholic District School Board can be found at www.hcdsb.org Come visit our new 10,000 sq ft. showroom Table & 6 Top Grain Leather Chairs $1998 Occassional Chairs $598 Sectionals from $1598 The Oakville Club Where You Belong For a limited time join one of Ontario's finest athletic and social clubs at a 50% reduction. Nestled on the edge of Oakville's harbour, the Oakville Club is steeped in the rich history of its lore and the modern elixir of active relaxation. Offering a unique blend of sport and social engagements, the club appeals to the kinetic lifestyle in a tranquil setting. Families discover a compass of generations and a place to forge new memories. Tennis, squash, badminton State-of-the-art fitness centre and studio Heated outdoor pool Summer camps Family activities Childcare Personal trainers Renowned racquet professionals Social events Award-winning chef Waterside patio dining Casual restaurant and dining-room Magnificent setting A Vision for the future Made In Canada Accents Accessories Bar Stools Act quickly and receive 50% off the regular entrance fee $7,000 IS NOW $3,500 Single $12,000 IS NOW $6,000 Couple Solid Birch Bedroom Suite Included: Queen Bed, 2 night tables & dresser. Choice of Stain $2698 Queen Bed $789, King Bed $949 56 Water Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2Y3 Contact Kalee Mah at 905.845.0231 ext. 207 or kmah@oakvilleclub.com www.oakvilleclub.com 1029 Speers Rd.,Oakville 905.842.3739 Speers Rd. & 4th Line (Main Location) www.joshuacreekfurniture.com 7 Time Winner