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EDMONTON — With another school year drawing to a close and a new group of graduates preparing for post-secondary studies, apprenticeships and careers, Alberta students are leaving the classroom with some of the strongest academic results in Canada.
New results from the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program show Alberta Grade 8 students ranked among the country’s top performers in science, reading and mathematics.
The 2023 assessment placed Alberta first nationally in science, second in reading and third in mathematics.
Alberta students posted an average score of 513 in science, ahead of Ontario’s 511 and well above the national average of 501.
In reading, Alberta students scored 508, compared with the national average of 505. In mathematics, Alberta posted a score of 513, exceeding the national average of 510.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the results reflect the efforts of students, teachers, support staff and families across the province.
“Alberta’s strong performance on PCAP is, above all, a reflection of student success,” Nicolaides said in a statement.
“Students are gaining the critical skills they need in mathematics, reading and science, thanks to the support of educators, staff and families.”
The Pan-Canadian Assessment Program, known as PCAP, is administered through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada and measures student achievement across provinces and territories.
Science was the primary area of focus for the 2023 assessment cycle, while reading and mathematics were assessed as secondary subjects.
Lara McClelland, board chair of STEM Collegiate, said strong performance in literacy, numeracy and science helps prepare students for future opportunities.
“These results affirm the strength of Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 system in building the foundational skills students need to thrive in STEM pathways,” she said.
The provincial government said it will continue working with school boards and educators to improve student outcomes and address learning gaps where they exist.
The assessment, first introduced in 2003, now operates on a four-year cycle. Reading will be the primary focus of the next assessment in 2027, with mathematics and science serving as secondary domains.
The latest results continue Alberta’s long-standing reputation as one of Canada’s highest-performing education systems and come as thousands of students across the province prepare to graduate and move on to the next stage of their education or careers.
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