Red Lake-Madsen Public School in Ontario has achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring a perfect 10 in the Fraser Institute’s recent evaluation of elementary schools. This score, the highest in Northwestern Ontario, reflects the school’s exceptional performance in reading, writing, and mathematics as assessed by the provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
According to Christy Radbourne, the education director of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB), the school’s success can be attributed to effective changes in teaching practices. Radbourne emphasized that a renewed focus on literacy and mathematics, particularly through what she terms the “science of reading” and “science of mathematics,” has significantly contributed to these impressive results.
Innovative Teaching Approaches Drive Success
In her remarks, Radbourne highlighted the importance of implementing evidence-based practices in education. “We do account for Red Lake’s success — and all of our other schools’ successes — to just some practice changes we’ve done and our focus on literacy,” she stated. The approach aims to enhance students’ understanding and application of reading and mathematical concepts.
Red Lake-Madsen’s achievement stands out not only for its score but also for the methods employed to teach students. The school has integrated “decoding skills” into its curriculum, which includes an emphasis on “morphology.” This technique involves breaking down words into their component parts to enhance comprehension. Radbourne illustrated this by explaining how the transformation of the word “tired” into “tiredness” adds depth and meaning.
She noted, “Breaking words down into meaningful chunks helps a child develop reading comprehension.” This commitment to foundational skills is central to KPDSB’s educational philosophy.
Recognition Across the Board
Alongside Red Lake-Madsen, New Prospect Public School in Dryden also received recognition in the Fraser Institute’s study, scoring a commendable 7.5. This reflects the broader success of KPDSB schools in recent years, which have seen an overall increase in EQAO scores.
Radbourne expressed pride in the achievements of both schools, stating, “We’re thrilled for Red Lake Madsen to get an honourable mention there, for sure, but we do know that it just reflects really our strong commitment to reading, writing and math.”
The KPDSB continues to prioritize educational excellence by focusing on practices that have proven effective in improving student outcomes. This dedication is not only fostering academic success but also equipping students with essential skills for their future learning experiences.
As educational methods evolve, the success of Red Lake-Madsen Public School serves as a model for other institutions aiming to enhance their teaching approaches and improve student performance. The school’s perfect score is not merely a statistic; it represents a commitment to quality education and a bright future for its students.
