Measures of Student Achievement and Success
Our students also participate in the provincial testing in grades 3 and 6 created by the Education Quality and Accountability Office. Teachers use a variety of assessment tools to measure the achievement of our students. These may include daily work, student portfolios, student-led conferences, observations, peer-evaluations, tests, individual and group presentations, projects, anecdotal records, student logs journals, PM Benchmarks, GB+, CASI and ELOT. We encourage ongoing communication with parents and teachers with regards to student achievement and success. Teachers may also make use of some group achievement tests with the students in their class. When necessary, individual academic assessments are administered by qualified school or board staff to students who are showing evidence of having difficulties. The results are considered and shared with parents, teachers and/or Learning Support Services and may be used to differentiate or modify the program for the students.
School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
The School Improvement Plan for Maple Ridge ES is reviewed each school year. Each year builds on the previous years’ plans to ensure a continuum of progress. The goals for our school community are driven by data, scores, feedback and surveys. The plan is developed in consultation with staff, school council, parents and students and includes major initiatives that reflect those of the Board Improvement Plan.
Our focus this year is on improving student achievement by enhancing critical thinking. The teaching staff is engaged in exploring, practicing and refining teaching strategies which will give students the opportunity to think critically.
Throughout the year, staff is involved in book clubs and study teams, workshops and other professional development opportunities. For the past couple of years, Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Learning Support teams are focused on integrating technology into the classroom in order to increase student engagement in the learning process. The staff at Maple Ridge is highly motivated to meet the needs of the students in the classroom and to address potential challenges to the learning process.
Other Initiatives:
• Volunteer Appreciation event
• Character Trait Program
• Bridging the gap between grade school and high school
• Participation in the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch and Red Maple reading program
• Terry Fox Run
• United Way Campaign
• Collaborative Inquiry Process
• School Effectiveness Framework