English Comprehension in School Age Children

Queston

Does anyone know of a source for stats on the level of English comprehension by school age children?

Answer

The following Statistics Canada publications may be of interest to your client:

Education Indicators in Canada: Report of the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (81-582-XWE)

Abstract: "The Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP) draws from a wide variety of data sources to provide information on the school-age population, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, transitions, and labour market outcomes. PCEIP products include tables and charts, fact sheets, reports and a methodological handbook. They present indicators for all of Canada, the provinces, the territories, as well as selected international comparisons and comparisons over time. The Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP) is an ongoing initiative of the Canadian Education Statistics Council, a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, that provides a set of statistical measures on education systems in Canada." (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=81-582-X&lang=eng)

The Performance of Canada's Youth in Reading, Mathematics and Science. PISA 2009 First Results for Canadians Aged 15  in Measuring Up: Canadian Results of the OECD PISA Study. (81-590-XWE2010001)

Abstract: "This report provides the first pan-Canadian results of the PISA 2009 assessment of reading, mathematics and science by presenting the national and provincial results in order to complement the information presented in the PISA 2009 International report. Results are compared to other participating countries and across Canadian provinces. Chapter 1 provides information on the performance of Canadian 15-year-old students on the PISA 2009 assessment in reading. Chapter 2 presents results on the performance of Canada and the provinces in the minor domains of mathematics and science. Finally, the major findings and opportunities for further study are discussed in the conclusion." (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=81-590-X2010001&lang=eng)

From Home to School - How Canadian Children Cope (89F0117XIE)

Abstract: "This report outlines some initial results from the School Component of the first and second cycles of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY). It examines the longitudinal influence of Early Childhood Care and Education and literacy activities on young children's future academic and cognitive outcomes. This overview highlights the information newly available from this component of the survey; it is not comprehensive in its coverage or its analysis. Indeed, the information collected by the NLSCY is so rich and detailed that researchers and analysts will be using it to address a variety of important questions concerning the education of children and youth in Canada for many years to come. Here then, we are merely scratching the surface to stimulate awareness of this rich new data source, and to illustrate the kinds of analyses it makes possible." (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=89F0117X&lang=eng)

Canadian Nine-year-olds at School (89-599-MWE2009006)

Abstract: "This study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) to provide a picture of Canadian 9-year-old children at the transition between the primary grades and the junior grades in school. The children varied widely in their academic achievement, and some of these variations were linked to their gender, their family income level, and their province of residence. Marked differences were also found in the education environments of children, linked most consistently to family income levels. These education environments were not linked to academic success as measured by mathematics achievement at school. Academic achievement at age 9 was significantly related to school readiness four years earlier." (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=89-599-M2009006&lang=eng)

Readiness to Learn at School Among Five-year-old Children in Canada (89-599-MWE2006004)

Abstract: "This report provides an overview of Canadian children as they enter school as 5-year-olds. It looks at the collection of abilities, behaviours and attitudes that they bring with them, attributes that are important for early school achievement. The report shows that children vary on some dimensions of readiness to learn at school, according to their family characteristics, their background and their home environment and experiences. It also shows that some of the differences in readiness to learn may already be evident two years earlier, when the children were 3 years old. Finally, the report indicates factors in the home environment that may contribute to differences among different economic groups. The report adds to what we know about readiness to learn. It provides information that may be useful for policy analysts, teachers, researchers, and parents themselves as they work toward maximizing the potential of preschool children everywhere." (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=89-599-MWE2006004&lang=eng)