Fraser Institute can’t measure true educational value

Times Contributor 

 

The Fraser Institute report for 2011 did not show the same results for high schools in Strathmore as in previous years. 

According to the latest report, Strathmore High School scored 5.7 out of 10 and Holy Cross Collegiate scored 6.2 out of 10. 

The report is an average taken from diploma exam results. 

“The best work [by students] is never measured” said Holy Cross Colligate Principal Lavern Evans. 

He added that diploma exams can be a very stressful time for Grade 12 students; the exams being weighted for 50 per cent of the student’s final mark. 

Strathmore High School Associate Principal Kyle Larsen said, “I feel the report is a fairly narrow focus.” 

Larsen also felt that it was pretty unfair because schools with fewer students can have a really good report one year, and rank near the bottom the next just depending on the group of kids. 

Some Calgary schools that have almost 1,000 students per graduating class, so it is more likely to have a more consistent average, as there are more test results being measured. It makes it more difficult for Strathmore High School and Holy Cross Collegiate to compete as there just isn’t that many students. 

“It’s kind of like comparing apples and oranges in a way,” said Larsen. 

“I really feel for the kids. There is a lot riding on one exam and they can have a wonderful semester and do badly on one exam and it really affects their final mark” said Evans. 

Both Evans and Larsen feel the Fraser Institute report is just a small indication of what the students’ abilities really are. 

“It is what it is. We work together to reach a variety of different learners and the [Fraser Institute] report is a pretty small indicator. There (are) many wonderful things that happen outside the classroom that isn’t accounted for” said Evans. 

With Holy Cross Collegiate growing in size each year, as well as Strathmore High School, academics will obviously continue to be a huge priority. 

“I feel that the diploma exams are weighted too heavily [as it is] and the majority are multiple choice and there are other ways to asses when you’re reaching a spectrum of learners” said Evans. 

Larsen added that “there is enough pressure as it is [for students] and this report doesn’t exactly paint an accurate picture.”