The Chronicle Herald Editorial Board agrees with AIMS Fellow in Common Sense Education Reform Michael Zwaagstra that standardized testing must occur in both grades 10 and 12.

In this op-ed, AIMS Fellow in Common Sense Education Michael Zwaagstra argues that standardized testing should occur in both grade 10 and 12- not just one or the other.

Atlantic Canadian educators were quick to vilify the AIMS report card on high schools calling it “a disservice” and “misleading”. What they did not do is back up their arguments with facts. In this commentary for Progress magazine, Jim Meek observes, instead of carping at critics, educators must take a closer look at the benefits of ranking our schools.

AIMS is front and centre in the Atlantic Canada media this week following the release of its Report Card on Atlantic Canadian high schools. The Report Card, which ranks regional high schools' performance, has ignited a heated debate over not only the results, but also the impact the study will have on the education system. Critics inside the education establishment have gone so far as to tell teachers not to even read the study. Supporters are saying this type of external review has been far too long coming.

Atlantic Canadian taxpayers invest substantial sums in our region’s universities, but what value are they actually receiving in return for their investment?

We all know how it works when students are graded and marked for competency within their respective schools, but what happens when the public attempts to get grading and competency reports on the schools themselves? Well, thanks to the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS) and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP) that have carried out some detailed surveys and studies ... those marks for Western Canadian high schools are now available.

Glentworth Central School in the Prairie South School Division is No. 1 in the province, according to latest report card by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS) and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP) ranking high schools throughout Saskatchewan.

For the second year in a row Saskatchewan rural high schools have been ranked higher than those in larger cities, according to an AIMS and FCPP study that graded 170 schools.

As the NS Education Department is moving standardized testing for high school math and literacy from Grade 12 to Grade 10, Charles Cirtwill said adding a test in Grade 10 is fine, but without an additional Grade 12 exam, educators won’t be able to assess any improvements or failings.

Since the release of AIMS Report Card on Atlantic Canadian high schools more than a month ago, teacher associations and government leaders have categorized the study as misleading, flawed in its data and demonstrating poor methodology. But AIMS president Brian Lee Crowley said none of the government recipients of the study has yet been specific in its claims.

Atlantic Canadian newspapers continue to wade into the debate on AIMS Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools. In the Friday March 21 edition of the Journal Pioneer in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the paper said it is hard to get upset over Education Minister Chester Gillan not having information on high schools ‘readily available’ when staffing issues should take priority.

The Daily Gleaner, March 15 editorial said the "The public.. is making public education its business." and asked why educators would ask the public to "ignore this report.” The editorial also asks the NBTA to “place their concerns firmly, clearly, and rationally on the table. Only then will the public be able to dismiss and condemn or accept and praise the AIMS work.”

AIMS and FCPP released the second annual Report Card on Western Canadian High Schools (Manitoba and Saskatchewan edition). The report card ranks high schools from Manitoba and Saskatchewan based on the AIMS model.

In AIMS’ latest research paper, Dr. Paul W. Bennett calls for a review of New Brunswick’s public education system, with the goal of creating a truly inclusive environment for learning disabled students.

AIMS Author Paul W. Bennett is calling for an expansion of the Nova Scotia Tuition Support Program.

AIMS to release its 9th Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools this Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 A.M. (ATL).

Results for New Brunswick schools for AIMS' 8th Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools.

Use the information to demand real change in your school

Native Maritimer Revolutionizes Public School System with Choice and Accountability

Study on High School Performance is Now Interactive

AIMS methodology “exceptional”, “fair”, “illuminating”, “objective”

AIMS president Brian Lee Crowley presented a commentary titled, "Students Without Border, Universities Without Illusions: Why international mobility will cause a quality revolution in our universities." at the annual conference of the National Association of University Chairs and Secretaries (NAUBCS)

Angus McBeath, Superintendent of Public Schools, explains the outstanding success of the Edmonton education reform experience

Will enabling parents and students to choose their own schools and allowing schools to compete will provide the best educational opportunities.

As our new MPs get settled into Ottawa, AIMS staff suggests some topics of importance to Atlantic Canada. AIMS Board Chair John Risley discusses China's importance on the world stage. The history of Friday the 13th is told. View Charles Cirtwill's talk on freedom of choice in education. Michael Zwaagstra talks about what's wrong with our schools.

The White House Comes to AIMS: David Frum on Canada-US relations, why educators are blame AIMS for their own problems plus Brian Lee Crowley on natural gas distribution and the danger of opting for cheap pills now versus new drugs tomorrow.

An invitation to hear Edmonton Superintendent of Schools to speak at an AIMS event, the debate over nationalized auto insurance and Brian Lee Crowley on the future of work in Nova Scotia.

Don’t Miss Angus McBeath at The Halifax Club

Michael Zwaagstra is a Manitoba high school teacher and AIMS Fellow in Common Sense Education. He is the co-author of "What's Wrong with our Schools and How We Can Fix Them."

AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill discusses changes made to standardized testing.

Michael Zwaagstra, AIMS Fellow in Common Sense Education Reform argues that high schools do not adequatley prepare students for university.

Education options for special needs students in Nova Scotia- expanding the Nova Scotia Tuition Support Program.

Callers react to the first snow storm of the season. Is the education system failing students?