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10 - The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, November 24, 1998 Public sehool board tests beat provincial average Officiais at the Halton District School Board are pleased at above average resuits achieved by their Grade 3 students in provincial testing Iast sp! ing. "We're glad the students are doing weIl," said Kit Rankin, a superintendent with the Halton District School Board. "We're very pleased with the progress of the students." She said one pleasant surprise in Halton was math, where there were disappointing resuits across the province in the 1997 tests. (Students were also tested in reading and writing). Afterwards, more focus was put on math by teaching, admidnistration and program staff. "MIe kids seem to have done well in math," said Ms Rankin. "We think there's growth in that area." Thse testing covered 3,051 Grade 3 students, with two sets of resuits. One total was tor al those completing tests, while the other tigures included cases where there were exemptions or Iack of data. There were four levels of rankings, with Level 1 being the lowest an~d Level 4 the highest. Levels 3 and 4 were considered thse provincial standard. TI most cases, 50-60 per cent of stu- dents completing tests made thse standard. Percentages of those making the standard were as follows: Reading, 56.2, writing, 56.6; mathe- matics (problemn solving, concepts etc.), 50.0; mathcmatics strands (numerical sense, geometry, algebra, etc.), 51.6. Top resuits were in overali reading and writing achievement, where 60 per cent made the stan- dard in cach cale ory Worst rcsults camenis math, whcre only 43 per cent made the standard in problem solving and 38 per cent made it in communication of required knowledge. Resuits were slightly Iower when exempt and incomplete tests were factored in. Teachers and parents are to being informed of school results lirst before they'oe being released to the media, said Ms Rankin. Parents will receive their children's resuits, plus school, board-wide and provincial totals for comparison. Ms Rankin said provincial testing is helptul because results can suggest where a board should focus next and the external feedback is good. "I is indt-ecnderntls. .vc nstead oi cb donc by the classroomn teacher, it's donc by someone who doesn't know the child.' This year's testing was based on new language and math curriculums. It was done over five half-days in May, while 1997 tests were coro- pleted during 10 full days in March. Ms Rankin said tests involve more than writ- ing out answers on paper. "There are a series of activities," said the superintendent. "There are things like language activity and answering problems. It's intended to be enjoyable.' Next year's testlng will be expanded to include students in both Grades 3 and 6. Christmas la comlng and many Milton familles need the help of others. Please give to the needy this holiday season by donation to The Champion Christmas Bureau Fund. Proceeds go to the Salvation Army, which wlli ensure local fami- fies have ail the trimmings, lncluding glfts for the kîde, this Christmas. Drop off donations et The Champion office, 191 Main St. E. b In a worlcl where anything can happen, flot just anyone can help. Our icensed home and auto insurance 19 advisors have the knowledge and understanding to offer you personalized service and solutions. Just cali 1-800-ROYAL' 2-6. We can even insure you right over the phone. à'RBC INSURANCE MemeofaiRoyai Bank Fi nancil IGroup RRegstered trade-marlis of Royal Bank o Canada. "'Trade-mark of Royal Bank of Canada. General Insurance Company of Royal Bank of Canada. iensee of trade-marks. The office lé open from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Monday to Fr1 dey. Donors will recelve recelpts.