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March 31, 2021 (Brockville, ON) – Even in light of the ongoing pandemic, students within the Upper Canada District School Board are making significant positive gains within the classroom. UCDSB student success data shows that credit completion amongst high school students is on the upswing, even when compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
Earlier this month, staff presented the Board of Trustees with credit-completion data for Grade 9-12 students during Quadmester 2. The results showcased an increased number of students completing and passing courses than in Quadmester 1. Achievement levels also surpassed levels that were seen during the pre-pandemic period in the traditional semester model.
In Quadmester 1, which ran from Sept. 11 to Nov. 10, 2020, the average success rate among the different learning models sat at 86 per cent. For Quadmester 2, data shows a 93 per cent average success rate for Grade 9-12 students across all learning platforms. This rate signifies that students have adjusted well to the changed schedule.
For Quadmester 2, students who attended school in-person averaged a 96 per cent success rate of completing and passing a course. For online synchronous learners, that rate fell to 85 per cent.
“When we consider the shifts made to accommodate learning during this pandemic period, we knew a quadmester learning model would address health and safety protocols while also ensuring our students received a purposeful learning experience,” says UCDSB Director Stephen Sliwa. “These results for successful completion rates are a testament to our staff’s commitment to ensuring our students receive quality learning experiences as well as to our students’ ability to adapt during these times.”
Students enrolled in the UCDSB Virtual Secondary Program had a 79 per cent course completion rate during Quadmester 2. The school board’s student success specialists are following up with students learning virtually to provide continued supports and encourage engagement.
“It’s important that each student feels supported,” says Superintendent of Schools and Student Success David Coombs. “That’s why we have more supports rolling out so that we can connect with every student, regardless of their current learning mode.”
To complement the collected data, the UCDSB also launched a board-wide student survey for Grade 9-12 students, seeking their direct feedback on their learning experiences this year. The student survey results are expected to be released to the public in April 2021.
“Student voice is key,” says Sliwa. “While it’s encouraging to see these successful credit completion rates, we know student feedback will help us track trends and learn for the future – especially when it comes to our students’ academic success and mental health.”
View the full presentation, which includes the slide and recorded presentation, here.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Managers of Communications, UCDSB
[email protected]