PEI Student assessments rank among the highest in Canada

Prince Edward Island's Grade 8 students perform among the highest in Canada in reading, math, and science, according to a national assessment released today.

The Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) 2019 shows that 92 per cent of students in PEI performed at or above the expected scores for mathematics, which is higher than the national average. In addition, Prince Edward Island student achievement scores:

• in science are among the highest in the country, exceeded only by Alberta and tied with Ontario;
• in reading are among the highest in the country, exceeded only by Ontario and Alberta;
• in mathematics are among the highest in the country, exceeded only by Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.

"The results are very encouraging. They show us that Island students are on par with the rest of the country, and that principals, teachers and staff through our curriculum are having a positive impact on student achievement. I am so proud of our students and our school staff. We want excellence in our education system - and student evaluation helps us to assess our policies. We will continue to invest in evidence-based resources and professional learning while shaping a public education system that advances excellence for learners."

- Education and Lifelong Learning Minister, Natalie Jameson

Reading and science scores show Prince Edward Island students are leading the way for the Maritime provinces and are above or on par with the national mean score.

"We have been investing heavily in reading strategies and skill development, including the new Fundations program, which is being rolled out in every Kindergarten classroom this year. We have also broadened our classroom reading libraries to include additional literature and more diverse titles," said Jameson.

"Our provincial math curriculum is strong," Jameson added. "The department has worked to strengthen coaching supports for teachers and is using regular, timely feedback strategies for students."

PCAP was designed to help policy makers use informed decisions about education and to determine how well-prepared students are for future academic challenges. The 2019 PCAP included a random sample of 442 Grades 8 students from PEI. There was a 100 per cent school response rate to the 2019 survey in PEI, and a 93.3 per cent participation rate - both above the national average.

PEI results show a positive impact on student achievement and that most Island students are performing at or above the expected level for their grade.

Media Contact
Autumn Tremere
Senior Communications Officer
[email protected]

Backgrounder

The Pan‐Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) is a test that measures the knowledge and skills of Grade 8 (in Quebec, Secondary II) Canadian students in three subjects: reading, mathematics, and science.

The test was developed by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

The following is a summary of results of the 2019 PCAP assessment of students from Prince Edward Island.

Mathematics
PEI student achievement for mathematics is consistent with the Maritime provinces and is exceeded only by Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.

92 per cent of Island students demonstrated proficiency in mathematics that is expected of them (Level 2 or above) and 5 per cent reach the highest level of performance (Level 4).

Reading
PEI student achievement for reading is exceeded only by Ontario and Saskatchewan and is on par with the national mean score.

Science
PEI student achievement for science is exceeded only by Alberta and is equal with Ontario. It is above the national mean score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the PCAP assessments?
The PCAP assessments have two main purposes: to help policy makers make informed decisions about education and to determine how prepared Grade 8 students are for future academic challenges.

Each province and territory has its own education system, and school programs differ from one part of the country to another. However, all Canadian students study reading, mathematics, and science, and PCAP assessments identify the knowledge and skills in those subjects that are common to students across the country.

Who takes part in the PCAP assessment?
About 40,000 Grade 8 students from more than 1,500 schools across the country participate. The assessment is given to both anglophone and francophone students.

Will the results affect students' marks?
No. The results of this assessment do not affect students' academic records in any way. The results are compiled only for jurisdictions, not for individual schools, students, or districts.

Is the assessment fair to all students?
Yes. Teachers from across the country developed and reviewed the test. The assessment was designed to give all students a chance to show their knowledge and skills. It has been tested for bias based on culture, gender, and regional differences, and has been found to be fair, appropriate, and bias‐free.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.