January 13, 2011 - The NWT’s results for the 2010 Alberta Achievement Tests (AAT) and Functional Grade Level (FGL) were released today, and the GNWT is taking steps to address the areas of concern.

“The results are important indicators that help us track student performance and the success of the education system in the Northwest Territories,” says the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Jackson Lafferty. “With the results, we are able to spot areas of concern and work to address them.”

Attendance is one area that needs improvement. The average attendance rate in the NWT is 86.1%, which translates into a student missing an average of one and a half days of school every two weeks. Early childhood is another area that needs immediate attention. Presently, one fifth of students are entering grade one and are not ready to do grade one work.

This school year, to help address these issues, the GNWT is funding attendance projects across the NWT, as part of the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative and Minister Lafferty is also hosting Regional Forums to engage community participation and support in developing a territorial education plan to improve student achievement.

Furthermore, 2011 marks the year that the Early Childhood Framework, supported by both ECE and the Department of Health and Social Services, undergoes an extensive review. This process includes extensive consultation with stakeholders and is already underway.

For more information, contact:

Amy Doerksen
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: amy_doerksen@gov.nt.ca