Alberta's learning system continues to excel
Edmonton... Alberta Learning's 2002/2003 Annual Report demonstrates how one of the best learning systems in the world continues to build on its success to benefit learners of all ages.
A list of innovative initiatives and quality education programs, an impressive record of student achievement and high levels of performance provide a bright and detailed picture of a wide range of accomplishments from the past year.
The success of Alberta's investment in education is also evident in the growing number of Albertans embracing and benefiting from lifelong learning, which includes an increase in the number of students completing high school, participating in apprenticeship and industry training, and post-secondary graduates finding employment.
"We are reminded often of the challenges we face in our learning system - but in facing them, we must not lose sight of the tremendous successes we witness every day," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Learning. "Alberta's learning system is recognized as a model of success nationally and internationally. Albertans can take great pride in the quality of that system, its education programs and collaborative environment."
According to this year's Annual Report results, a 67 per cent majority of Albertans are satisfied with the overall quality of the basic education system - up from 63 per cent the previous year. Of particular note, the same survey found that 96 per cent of high school students, 88 per cent of parents of Kindergarten - Grade 12 students, and 82 per cent of parents with severe special needs children are satisfied with the overall quality of basic education.
"It is interesting to note that the people closest to the system - the students and the parents who see it from the inside - report the greatest satisfaction with it," said Oberg.
In the 2002/2003 Annual Report, high levels of satisfaction and achievement are reflected in a variety of performance measures. This is a result of the initiatives and investments in the learning system presented throughout the report, as well as the efforts of schools, post-secondary institutions and others in the education community.
Highlights of Results:
- Overall, student results on provincial achievement tests in 2002/2003 show continuous improvement and a high level of achievement.
- Grade 12 students met or exceeded provincial expectations on more diploma exams in 2002/2003 than in prior years.
- 96 per cent of students entering Grade 1 participated in Early Childhood Services, enhancing their readiness to learn and building an early foundation for school success.
- High school completion rates within five years of entering Grade 10 rose to 74 per cent an increase of 1 per cent each year since 1999/2000, and remain high at 89 per cent for 25-34 year olds.
- The percentage of the public satisfied with the overall quality of basic education has increased from 63 per cent last year to 67 per cent this year.
- The employment rate of post-secondary graduates remains high at 93.6 per cent.
- The percentage of recent apprenticeship graduates satisfied with their on-the-job training increased from 92 per cent two years ago to 93 per cent this year, while 95 per cent continue to be satisfied with technical training.
- A large majority of partners and stakeholders agree that Alberta Learning staff are collaborative (83 per cent), responsive (89 per cent), and the number who agree ministry staff are flexible has increased substantially to 81 per cent.
Highlights of Spending Initiatives:
Funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 increased by $207 million in 2002-03 , totaling more than $3.5 billion, while funding for Adult Learning and Apprenticeship & Industry Training increased by $91 million, totaling approximately $1.3 billion. Support to the entire learning system was more than $4.8 billion, which included:
- An additional $112 million to public and separate school boards to support grant rate increases, increased enrollment, and teacher salary enhancements.
- An increase of $9 million to support Early Childhood Services.
- $53 million provided through Alberta Heritage Scholarships and other provincial scholarships and bursaries.
- Increased grants to post-secondary institutions of $47 million.
- $31 million committed to a research facility at the University of Calgary.
- $5 million in Access Funding to post-secondary institutions to increase learning opportunities in apprenticeship technical training.
In addition Learning provided:
- $89 million in loans to post-secondary students.
- $66 million in financial assistance to students through student loan debt reduction initiatives.
The 2002/2003 Annual Report is available on the Internet at http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/annualreport.
