No golden stars were handed out. No certificates of excellence. No prizes. No bouquets.
Nevertheless there was a mood of quiet satisfaction among the region’s education leaders this week.
They had the look of people who have passed an awkward part of a test, yet know many challenges lie ahead.
News that the Provincial Achievement Test and Provincial Diploma Exam results showed an overall improvement is certainly a huge credit to the Pembina Hills school division, which charts the course for local education.
It is also a credit to those throughout the system – administrators, principals, teachers, students and parents.
The importance of education cannot be understated. It is the foundation of a successful society.
“Ask me my three main priorities for government and I tell you education, education and education” was former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s famous rallying cry in 1996 when campaigning to bring New Labour to power.
Speaking a good game, however, is very different from playing a good game. And with education it requires a team effort. It also requires time, patience and careful planning.
Good results don’t happen by whimsy or fluke.
They happen because the right direction is set, informed strategies are devised from collation and analysis of data, and administrators, principals and teachers communicate effectively and regularly, looking at ways to brush up skills and learn new methods.
They happen because parents take a keen interest in their children’s education, reading to them, ensuring homework is done and asking: “How was school today?”
Not in a perfunctory, disengaged tone, but in a manner that conveys genuine curiosity and sometimes concern.
And, of course, good results happen because of the students, whose performance is the only gauge that matters.
Looking at this year’s results, there are some interesting statistics.
The PAT results demonstrated overall improvement over the past seven years, with PHRD students exceeding the provincial average in six tests: english language arts (grades 3 and 6), math (grades 3, 6 and 9) and science (grade 9).
The story of the Provincial Diploma Exams is equally impressive. Some 96 per cent of students who attempted an exam course successfully completed it.
Perhaps inevitably, it is not all good news. Junior high social studies has seen a drop-off in performance.
A red flag has been raised and already the Pembina Hills trustees and administrators are working to address this. For theirs is a job that is never done.
Theirs is also a job that rarely receives public recognition. So for a change let us all nod appreciatively in their direction.
Is their mission accomplished? No, of course not. Is it a job well done? You bet.
The 2011 report card?
A for effort, A for achievement.
