The province has released the 2023-24 EQAO results, and the Upper Grand District School Board continues to make achievement gains in math and literacy, while continuing to outperform the provincial results. The UGDSB results show a marked improvement in student achievement as measured by the provincial assessments.
The UGDSB’s work is guided by its Multi-Year Plan 2022-2026+. The core priority of the MYP is Foundational Education and Student Achievement.
Primary Assessments: Grade 3 Reading, Writing and Mathematics
Grade 3 Reading showed a 3-percentage point improvement, with 73% of students meeting the standard, up from 70% last year. The UGDSB results compares to the provincial result of 71%. Grade 3 Writing saw a modest 1-percentage point increase, rising from 63% to 64%. The provincial result is Grade 3 Writing is 64%.
Significant growth is observed in Mathematics, with a 7-percentage point increase, bringing the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard from 57% to 64%. This compares to 61% provincially.
Junior Assessments: Grade 6 Reading, Writing and Mathematics
The data for Grade 6 students shows stability in Reading and Writing performance, with 86% of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard in Reading and 85% in Writing, consistent with the previous year’s results. The UGDSB results exceed the provincial result of 82% and 80%, respectively. Mathematics shows a 3-percentage point improvement, with 56% of students achieving the standard this year, compared to 50% provincially.
Grade 9 Mathematics
The data for Grade 9 shows that 58% of UGDSB students met or exceeded the provincial standard, which is a 6-percentage point increase from the previous year. The provincial result is 54%.
Grade 10 OSSLT - First Time Eligible (FTE) and Previously Eligible (PE)
The data for Grade 10 OSSLT students shows stability in the performance of our first-time eligible students, with 87% of students being successful, which is consistent with the previous year’s results. In contrast, previously eligible students saw a decrease in comparison to the previous year, with 53% of students being successful. Both first-time eligible and previously eligible UGDSB outcomes were above the provincial results of 85% and 52%.
The UGDSB has a bold vision to position itself as a leader in education by providing unparalleled, agile, and inclusive learning experiences for all. Vision 2026+ is focused on driving student success through a targeted and measurable action plan, "Let’s GO! UGDSB" that establishes ambitious goals for student performance and includes regular monitoring of progress and impact.
The gains made in the 2023-24 assessment year highlight the positive impact of the Upper Grand’s laser focused efforts coupled with the strategic resource allocations, including Early Reading Teachers, intensive staff training, Math Support Teachers, and Learning Support Teachers.
“These latest student achievement results are a testament to the dedication and focus of our incredible staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure every student succeeds. Their caring efforts have made a real difference in the lives of our students,” said UGDSB Director of Education, Peter Sovran. “I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our school board trustees for their unwavering trust in our team and for their strategic investments, which have directly contributed to these improved outcomes. Together, we are making great strides in empowering our students to find their path.”
"The investments approved by the Board of Trustees reflect our strong commitment to enhancing the academic growth and well-being of every student. By aligning with the Ministry of Education’s priorities and supporting innovative initiatives, we are ensuring that UGDSB students receive the foundation they need to thrive both academically and personally,” said UGDSB Chair of the Board, Ralf Mesenbrink.