New Education Plan Aims to Boost Literacy in New Brunswick Schools
3 N.B. district superintendents hopeful system changes, new education plan could improve literacy results
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New Brunswick's literacy rates are concerning, as highlighted in a recent auditor general report. However, district superintendents are optimistic that a new 12-year education plan, emphasizing literacy and numeracy, along with increased academic support, could improve outcomes for students in both anglophone and francophone schools.
- 01The auditor general's report revealed that New Brunswick missed all literacy assessment targets for both anglophone and francophone schools during the audit period from July 2022 to June 2025.
- 02Derek O’Brien, superintendent of the Anglophone South School District, believes the new 12-year education plan will refocus efforts on essential skills like reading and writing.
- 03Only four schools passed the Grade 2 reading assessment in the 2024-2025 school year, with no students passing at one francophone school.
- 04Academic support teachers, whose numbers have increased significantly, are expected to provide targeted assistance in literacy and numeracy.
- 05A professional development day pilot program is showing promising early results, with pilot schools outperforming non-pilot schools in early-learning assessments.
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A recent report from New Brunswick's auditor general highlighted significant shortcomings in literacy rates across both anglophone and francophone schools, revealing that all literacy assessment targets were missed during the audit period from July 2022 to June 2025. District superintendents, including Derek O’Brien of Anglophone South, express optimism about the newly introduced 12-year education plan, which aims to prioritize literacy, numeracy, and student well-being. O’Brien noted that the plan is designed to create urgency around these fundamental skills, which have been sidelined by various distractions in schools. The report also indicated that no students at one francophone school passed the Grade 2 reading assessment, while only four anglophone schools met the Grade 4 reading assessment target. To address these issues, superintendents are increasing the number of academic support teachers, who are specifically trained to assist struggling students. Additionally, a pilot program for professional development days is yielding positive early results, suggesting that reduced classroom time may enhance learning outcomes.
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The literacy challenges highlighted in the report indicate a need for systemic changes in New Brunswick's education system, affecting students' future academic success.
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