Report Two: Student Census Achievement Report
The focus of this report is traditional measures of student achievement and includes some information on student sense of belonging for groups who were not the subject of the previous report. The data in this report offers Limestone the opportunity to reflect on system practices. While available to the public, the target audience for this report is Limestone staff so the findings can be considered as part of their daily work.
Student achievement indicators are used to reflect the extent to which students are developing the desired skills and knowledge schools are meant to provide. This report uses indicators that are monitored at both the ministry and board levels: EQAO test results, credit accumulation, five-year graduation rate, suspensions and absences, and special education status. It also includes information on students’ reports of adult expectations and having caring adults at school. School boards are required under the Anti-Racism Act (2017) to collect voluntary demographic data from students and/or families, and to connect that data with existing achievement records to identify, monitor, and eliminate systemic racism.
Alison McDonnell, Superintendent of Education, explains the intention of the report is to identify groups of students experiencing systemic barriers to achievement. “This report is intended to stand as a comprehensive resource to be used throughout Limestone that identifies groups of students who are being underserved by the education system, as evidenced by negative disparities in educational outcomes.”
More than 10,000 total surveys were completed by students and families in November and December 2020. The voluntary and confidential census asked a series of questions around identity and demographics to help the board better understand the diverse backgrounds, experiences, strengths and needs within our school communities. The overall goal of the student census is to improve achievement and well-being by identifying opportunities to help all students succeed.