High school literacy tests could start next year

A new high school literacy exam, outlined in last week's throne speech, should be in place for the next school year, says P.E.I. Education Minister Alan McIsaac.

Students would need to pass the exam in order to graduate. The province is working to adapt a similar exam used in Ontario.

“It's just another check and balance in our system to make sure our students are prepared,” said McIsaac.

“We're doing it in grade 10 to make sure that, you know, they have another two years before they graduate so they can upgrade their skills there. If perchance they didn't pass in grade 10 they could do it again in grade 11 or grade 12, but it is going to be required, a graduation requirement.”

According to the speech from the throne, students who are unsuccessful writing the new high school literacy exam will be given extra learning support. McIsaac could not provide details Tuesday on what kind of support.

In the most recent round of provincial grade 9 literacy assessments, 77 per cent of students in the English Language School Board were found to be meeting expectations in reading comprehension, and 59 per cent were meeting expectations when it comes to personal expressive writing.