The Vancouver Sun reports the list of private schools being monitored for possible grade inflation now includes three British Columbia-certified schools in China, including one run by B.C.’s former inspector of independent schools.
Concerns about standards surfaced last spring after University Hill secondary told The Vancouver Sun that some of its students who struggled with English 12 were boosting their marks by taking the same course after-hours at a nearby private school.
A Sun review of ministry records found that five B.C. private schools, which cater to international students, had given passing marks in English 12 to almost all senior students even though a majority had failed the provincial exam.
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:34 am
What assurances of quality can parents rely on once they’ve made the decision to look into the independent educational options available to their children?
A growing trend among independent schools is to provide the peace of mind families are seeking by actively pursuing forms of accreditation. The Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI) is Canada’s internationally recognized school accreditation agency. A CESI school is rigorously reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that it meets the highest standards of academic programming and operational integrity.
There are currently just three CESI member schools actively seeking accreditation in British Columbia. But as the demand for greater accountability and financial transparency in schools continues to grow, it’s only a matter of time before CESI accreditation becomes a basic requirement for any independent school wishing to continue attracting BC families.
For suggestions on the criteria parents should use to assist them in making an informed choice about their child’s educational options, and a complete list of CESI accredited schools, parents are encouraged to visit www.cesi.edu