Grading BC Schools
Contact:
Peter Cowley, Education Policy Researcher
The Fraser Institute, (604) 688-0221 Ext. 556 Email: peterc@fraserinstitute.caPatrick Basham, Director of the Social Affairs Centre
The Fraser Institute, (604) 714-4549 Email: patrickb@fraserinstitute.caRelease Date: 11 March 1999
Vancouver, BC>>> A Secondary Schools Report Card for British Columbia, published today by the Fraser Institute, provides the first objective, quantifiable measurement of the performance of the province's public and independent secondary schools.
By utilizing performance indicators, such as exam marks and graduation rates, this ground-breaking study measures the extent to which each school offers effective teaching and counselling.
The year-long study was conducted by education researcher Peter Cowley and Stephen Easton, an economics professor at Simon Fraser University. The authors analyzed education ministry data to prepare five-year report cards for two-thirds of BC's schools.
This study provides two vital services: First, it allows parents and students to compare a school's present and past performances. Improvement in the performance of each individual school from year to year is -- or should be -- the primary motivation for a system of regular measurement.
According to co-author Peter Cowley, "An honest, open appraisal of school performance will encourage improvement across the board. Knowing where we stand, school by school," Cowley added, "BC residents will no longer have to rely on faith -- they will have the facts."
The study also improves consumer awareness, by allowing parents and students to make rational choices when considering education alternatives. As well as parents and students, this study will better inform school administrators, taxpayers, prospective employers, and other groups with a stake in BC's $4 billion education system.
Patrick Basham, Director of the Institute's Social Affairs Centre, suggests "parents and students should use this information to question and challenge their school principals and teachers to improve their schools, and the schools use these statistics as a base line, to develop a plan each year for improving the school where it's shown to be weak."
Established in 1974, The Fraser Institute is an independent public policy organization based in Vancouver.
For further information:
Suzanne Walters, Director of Communications,
The Fraser Institute, (604) 714-4582,
Email suzannew@fraserinstitute.ca
info@fraserinstitute.ca
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