According to the Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for 2021-2022, which was released by Rocky View Schools, students in the district are falling behind provincial averages when it comes to Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs).

According to Alberta Education, the overall percentage of students/First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who achieved the acceptable standard on Provincial Achievement Tests in Grade six and Grade nine on several core subjects was well below the provincial average in many core areas. 

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During a regular board meeting of trustees on Thursday, Associate Superintendent of Learning, Lori Meyer confirmed to the board during her presentation that there has been an approximate 10 per cent drop in subject areas across the board. However, according to the report, English language arts assessments in both provincial achievement tests and diploma exams, as well as social studies Diploma Exams showed strong levels of performance. Meyer said that the numbers must still have examined further to diagnose what the issues are.

"Math and science scores saw a drop both provincially and locally and warrant further investigation and support," the report stated.

On Thursday the trustees also approved the 2022-26 Strategic Plan, including several priorities which include improving our students’ learning. While RVS students may be struggling with testing results, the report did reflect positively when it came to the high school completion rate of students/First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students within three years of entering Grade 10. RVS students had an 86. 9 percentage rate, which was nearly four percentage points higher than the province. The drop-out rate for students in the RVS district is also lower than the provincial average.

"RVS has demonstrated a strong commitment to keeping all students in the school with access to an education tailored to meet their needs. RVS dropout rates are significantly lower than province-wide rates," the report summarized.

The report concluded that RVS's 2023 – 2026 Capital Plan continues to advocate for an urgent request for provincial funds for new schools in the area, including in Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere.

"As one of the fastest growing school divisions in the province, having enough space for students to learn is an ongoing challenge for RVS. Prioritizing the list is challenging for RVS as Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere are experiencing rapid growth at the same time." 

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