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Alberta students ranked among the highest-performing students in Canada in mathematics, reading and science, according to the latest results from the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP).

The 2023 assessment found that Alberta Grade 8 students placed first nationally in science, second in reading and third in mathematics.

According to the results, Alberta students achieved an average science score of 513, ahead of Ontario's 511 and above the national average of 501. In reading, Alberta recorded a score of 508 compared to the national average of 505. Alberta students scored 513 in mathematics, exceeding the national average of 510.

Alberta Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides said the results reflect the efforts of students, educators 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."

Lara McClelland, Board Chair of STEM Collegiate, said the results demonstrate the effectiveness of Alberta's Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system in preparing 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," McClelland said.

The Pan-Canadian Assessment Program was established in 2003 through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) and measures student achievement across participating provinces and territories. The assessment evaluates student performance in reading, mathematics and science, with one subject serving as the primary focus during each testing cycle.

Science was the major domain for the 2023 assessment cycle.

The provincial government said it will continue working with school boards and educators to address learning gaps and support student achievement across Alberta.

PCAP now operates on a four-year assessment cycle. Reading will serve as the major assessment domain when the next evaluation is conducted in 2027.

Quick Facts:

• Alberta ranked first in science with a score of 513.
• Alberta ranked second in reading with a score of 508.
• Alberta ranked third in mathematics with a score of 513.
• National averages were 501 in science, 505 in reading and 510 in mathematics.
• The Pan-Canadian Assessment Program was established in 2003 through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.
• Reading will be the primary assessment focus for PCAP 2027.

To view the 2023 PCAP results, visit www.cmec.ca/754/PCAP_2023.html

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.