Only two Delta public schools managed to crack the top 100 in the Fraser Institute's latest controversial rankings of high schools, but district officials are quick to point out the annual list doesn't tell the real story.
The institute this week released The Report Card on British Columbia's Secondary Schools 2013, which ranks 284 public and independent schools using a number of indicators, including data from annual province-wide exams as well as graduation and grade-to-grade transition rates.
According to the latest ranking, Delta Secondary in Ladner and Seaquam Secondary in North Delta tied for 98th overall.
Next on the list of public schools in Delta were South Delta (107th), Burnsview (133rd), Sands (155th), Delview (197th) and North Delta (245th).
Southpointe Academy in Tsawwasen, a private school, once again was the highest rated high school in Delta, placing 11th in the province.
As usual, private schools dominated the rankings, taking 18 of the top 20 spots.
The report also notes that 26 schools across B.C. showed significant academic improvement over the last five years, including a number of public schools, none of which are in Delta.
"Principals and teachers who have not yet found ways to improve their academic results might profit from talking to the staff at these schools," said Peter Cowley, the report's author.
Teachers and district officials have long been critical of the Fraser Institute's rankings.
Asked for the district's response, superintendent Dianne Turner noted the rankings are not a true reflection of the successes happening every day in Delta schools. While the rankings do show the high graduation rates in Delta, she said, they are based, overall, on limited test results.
"We do not rank our schools and we measure our successes in a myriad of ways that do not involve standardized test results," she told the Optimist Monday.
"In the Delta school district our vision is to be a leading district for innovative teaching and learner success. All of our seven secondary schools have dedicated and talented staff who are making our vision come alive each and every day; they work diligently to ensure our students are enabled to reach their full potential. At this time of year, we see their efforts come to fruition."
Turner said the district has an inquiry coordinator to work with all 31 schools to determine strengths and define areas of improvement.
"While the inquiry process looks different in every school, it is incredible to see all of the schools engaging their staff and students, and creating learning environments that embrace innovative teaching and foster individual learner success," she said.
"At South Delta Secondary School, for example, teachers have created the Strive program.
Strive is a cross-curricular course for Grade 10 students where they will study English, math, physical education and science by exploring the natural settings of South Delta. The cross-curricular connections will emphasize holistic activities, which will involve frequent opportuni-
ties to explore ideas and curriculum in our local surroundings.
"This is but one example of the exceptional teaching and learning that is occurring in our secondary schools. Such excellence is not reflected in the Fraser Institute rankings," Turner said.
According to Delta school board chair Laura Dixon, the district has consistently high graduation rates, which exceed the provincial rates for all students, including aboriginal and special needs students.
"We are on an exciting path in Delta," Dixon said. "Through inquiry, our teachers are exploring the needs of their students and crafting instruction to support these needs. We are seeing incredible successes from both students and teachers.
"Our students are becoming well-rounded global citizens, ready to contribute their personal best as the leaders of tomorrow. This is how we measure success in our schools."
