Submitted. Abbotsford School District is celebrating noteworthy milestones, as outlined in the recently approved annual Superintendent’s Report on Achievement. The district recorded all-time highs in student graduation rates and Ministry scholarships.
The District’s grade 12 graduation rate for the first time ever reached the 90% level for 2012-13.
“This is a wonderful accomplishment,” noted Superintendent Kevin Godden. “For a district with 33% vulnerability in kindergarten, it is a testament to our amazing teachers that we can graduate so many of our students.”
He pointed out that Abbotsford is well above the provincial average graduation rate of 83%, and that Abbotsford public schools consistently perform above the provincial average in Math and English. His report noted that while there is still more work to do, the district should be proud of these accomplishments.
Other highlights of his report included:
• Aboriginal student graduation rate reaching an all-time high of 78% (provincial average: 60%)
• Improved achievements for English language learners
• The district leading the province in trades and technical program completion rates
• All-time high totals in Ministry scholarships awarded to Abbotsford students.
The report, presented at the Board of Education meeting this week, outlined a number of things the district is doing to improve on its already impressive results. As part of its Strategic Plan goals, the district has expanded preschool and StrongStart offerings, supports after-school programs, and has expanded the Changing Results for Young Readers initiative developed by the province. In addition, Superintendent Godden outlined a number of initiatives the Board has approved to increase the engagement of students at the secondary level.
“In a district our size, there is much to celebrate. Abbotsford boasts an amazing array of programs to meet the needs of our diverse student population,” said Board of Education Chair Cindy Schafer. “Our successful academic, arts and athletic programs are a testament to the dedicated leaders, teachers and support staff across the district. Even with the many achievements outlined in this report, we remain committed to providing the best education for all students. These demonstrate our commitment to providing ‘a world-class, innovative, and individualized educational experience for every student.’”
The full Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement is available on the district website at www.sd34.bc.ca/district/reports