Rising academic success rates throughout Outaouais’ educational system
Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
OUTAOUAIS – Notable improvements in student success rates have been observed throughout the Outaouais due to concerted efforts of local school boards, including the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) and the Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSSHBO), whose rates climbed from 56.7% in 2017-2018 to 70% in 2022-2023.
Recent data from the Ministry of Education revealed an increase in the Outaouais’ average success rate, from 74.6% in 2017-2018 to over 81% for the 2022-2023 school year. The province hopes to reach an 85% success rate by 2030 to ensure more students not only graduate but are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Denis Rossignol, CSSHBO director general, emphasized how proactive strategies contributed to the success. “We’ve shifted our focus from reactive measures like summer courses to more proactive strategies like enhanced exam preparation and addressing learning gaps throughout the school year,” Rossignol explained in an interview with CHIP 101.9. He detailed how the efforts are part of a larger shift towards continual support for students, especially those at risk of falling behind.
Similarly, the WQSB has been focusing on the professional development of educators. George Singfield, WQSB director general, said their teacher induction program that pairs new teachers with experienced mentors is credited not only with retaining teachers, but also significantly improving educational experiences for students. “It ensures new teachers are well-supported from the start, which translates into better instructional quality and student learning outcomes,” Singfield noted.
Beyond academic strategies, both directors stressed the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming school environment. “When students feel they belong, their engagement and performance improve dramatically. We’re committed to fostering this sense of community through various school initiatives,” said Singfield.
Rossignol also shared specific measures implemented to prevent student dropouts and ensure graduation. “We’ve been proactive in identifying students who are just a few credits short of graduating and have implemented targeted support to help them complete their requirements,” he said, underscoring the tailored approach to meet individual student needs.
With notes from CHIP FM
