We believe that comprehensive, easily accessible reporting of school performance is a necessary element of an effective program of continuous improvement in the delivery of education to our province's children and young adults.
With such a regime in place, parents and students can make rational choices when considering education alternatives. With a better understanding of where the neighborhood school stands, the entire community can be mobilized to more productively contribute to its improvement. Teachers can use such a reporting system as the feedback component of a program of classroom-based continuous performance. Administrators can seek out the advice of those of their colleagues who have experienced particular success in their schools. The Ministry can more effectively utilize education funding to promote improvement.
Against these positive and progressive potentials, what is the downside of school performance measurement? Will it pit one school against another in a race to excellence? We sincerely hope so. Will it put the spotlight on schools that are not performing to a high standard - for whatever reason? Again, we sincerely hope so. Will it shatter the self-esteem of the communities around the poorly performing schools? Only, we believe, if that self-esteem is based on delusion. Will it encourage or discourage? We believe that an honest, open appraisal of performance will encourage improvement - across the board.
Knowing where we stand, school by school, the citizens of the provence will no longer have to rely on faith - they will have the facts.
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