SASKATCHEWAN EDUCATION SYSTEM CONTINUES TO PERFORM WELL

Saskatchewan's education system continues to perform well overall according to the 2002 Saskatchewan Indicators report released today by Learning Minister Judy Junor. International assessment tests show Saskatchewan students share similar results in reading, math, and science with students in the rest of Canada.

"The number of high school graduates has increased over the last ten years and more students are interested in pursuing higher education. Ninety-two per cent of sixteen year olds intend to go on to post-secondary institutions," Junor said. "Indicators 2002 demonstrates that Saskatchewan students understand the value of education and are committed to their future success."

"This is encouraging news for Saskatchewan", Junor said. "Our economic, cultural, and social health is directly related to the level of knowledge and skills available in our communities. We must continue to nurture that progressive attitude in our province, securing a prosperous and wide open future."

The report offers a comprehensive look at the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) education system in Saskatchewan including student achievement and curriculum implementation. It is the Department's primary vehicle for ensuring public accountability in education, guiding educators and decision-makers as they form recommendations, chart direction, and initiate changes within the K-12 system.

While high school graduation rates increased in the last decade, the report shows much lower Grade 12 graduation rates for aboriginal students than the overall population. Between 1992 and 1998, about two-thirds of self-declared aboriginal students completed grade 10; 57 per cent completed grade 11; and 47 per cent completed grade 12. This is well below the 80 per cent completion rate for the overall student population.

"Indicators help us identify our achievements and the areas where we can improve," Junor said. "The Department is working together with its partners in the learning sector and the community to find solutions and work toward a future where every child can be successful."

"This includes a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2003 between Saskatchewan Learning and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations," Junor added. "The agreement will bring a greater involvement for First Nations people in education planning and decision making."

The Department remains committed to its efforts to integrate technology into the K-12 system by offering web based resources linked to Saskatchewan curriculum and online courses through centralischool.ca. In addition, the government continued to support CommunityNet, funding 735 provincial schools and 85 First Nations schools to have high speed Internet access.

In an October 2002 poll, 70 per cent of respondents felt that high school students are prepared for post-secondary institutions. That is a marked increase from 58 per cent in 1997. In addition, 55 per cent of respondents said that the quality of education available to students today is better than their own.

"Saskatchewan citizens have confidence in our education system", Junor said, "with about 75 per cent indicating our schools continue to perform well compared to the overall results for Canada at 60 per cent."

Copies of the report are available by calling (306) 787-2010. The report is also available through the Saskatchewan Learning website at www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/k/pub_press.html.

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For More Information, Contact:

David Anderson Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-2362

Rick Johnson Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-7937