N.B. education assessment shows improved reading and science, slight decline in math

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

New Brunswick shared results from its provincial assessment for the 2024-25 school year for both anglophone and francophone education sectors on Thursday. While results varied, key findings showed improvements in English reading and scientific literacy and a slight decline in math and French reading.

“Provincial assessments are conducted annually across both education sectors to help us better understand how the education system is working,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “Sharing our results ensures transparency and shines a light on what we are doing well and what we need to do better.”

Key findings include:

Anglophone sector

• improvements in English-language assessments, particularly in Grade 4 reading and Grade 6 reading
• continued improvement in scientific literacy across the province
• declines in French reading in Grade 5
• other results in elementary school remained stable

Francophone sector

• elementary school reading, writing, math and science assessments remained relatively stable compared to the previous year.
• declines in French-language reading and writing in Grade 7
• improvements in both the numeracy skills test and the reading and writing skills test in Grade 10.

Johnson said the accomplishments were worth celebrating and they are continuing to help students succeed in other areas.

“While there are areas where we need to improve, teachers, education professionals, students and families in New Brunswick can be proud of what they have achieved,” she said.

New Brunswick conducts assessments in literacy, numeracy and science annually, said a news release from the province. The francophone sector tests Grades 2 to 4, 6 to 8 and 10 with an oral proficiency assessment in Grade 12. The anglophone sector tests Grades 4 to 12.

“These changes ensure that assessment results are available to teachers about their students, instead of just at the school, district or provincial level,” said Johnson in her message about the achievement reports. “This new methodology means cohort tracking and deeper analyses of factors associated with academic achievement is possible.”

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