Red Lake-Madsen Public School has secured a perfect score of 10 in the Fraser Institute’s evaluation of Ontario elementary schools, marking the highest achievement in Northwestern Ontario. This accolade is attributed to effective changes in teaching practices, as stated by Christy Radbourne, the education director of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB). The school’s score is based on the results of the provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) testing for Grade 3 and 6 students in reading, writing, and mathematics.
According to Radbourne, the success of Red Lake-Madsen is not coincidental but rather a result of deliberate educational strategies. “We do account for Red Lake’s success — and all of our other schools’ successes, and the board’s success this year, and the increases in EQAO scores — to just some practice changes we’ve done and our focus on literacy,” she explained.
Focus on Evidence-Based Practices
The improvements in student performance are linked to a concentrated effort on the “science of reading” and “the science of mathematics.” Radbourne highlighted the board’s commitment to teaching essential “decoding skills” for reading, which include understanding word formation through a concept known as “morphology.” This approach involves breaking down words into their component parts to enhance comprehension.
“Morphology is when you start breaking down words into component parts and then they add meaning to it,” Radbourne stated. “So if I say tired and then I say tiredness — two different words. How does ‘ness’ create meaning?”
This method of teaching, which emphasizes “meaningful chunks,” is designed to bolster reading comprehension among students. Radbourne noted that the board employs evidence-based practices, which are strategies proven to positively influence student outcomes. “Our real commitment to ensuring that all children are learning is where we got started,” she said. “We use evidence-based practices, meaning ones that we know have an effect size on changing student outcomes. That’s a critical point for us.”
Regional Educational Landscape
Following Red Lake-Madsen, New Prospect Public School in Dryden achieved a commendable score of 7.5, securing the second position in the region. This demonstrates that while Red Lake-Madsen stands out, other schools within the KPDSB are also making significant strides in educational quality.
The commitment of the KPDSB to enhance literacy and numeracy skills reflects a broader commitment to educational excellence. The positive results from the EQAO testing indicate a growing trend of improvement within the district, showcasing a collective effort to elevate the standards of education across the board.
The success of Red Lake-Madsen Public School serves as a model for educational institutions aiming for excellence. With ongoing focus and dedication to innovative teaching practices, the KPDSB is paving the way for future achievements in student performance.
