Summary
Objective and Scope
Our audit objective was to assess if the division has adequate systems to improve student attendance. We examined accountability for attendance results systems and looked at the division’s oversight of its schools and the department’s oversight of the division. We interviewed staff and tested attendance practices at 10 schools across the division, at the division’s central office and at the department.
We also held meetings to discuss student attendance in two communities—Wabasca–Desmarais and Gift Lake. We met with key stakeholders including parents and caregivers, students and former students, teachers and other school staff, administrators, local school board committee members, elders and other community members.
Conclusion
The division’s schools and central office do not have adequate systems to improve student attendance. There is no accountability for attendance results at all levels of the division and by the department. Oversight of attendance improvement by both the department and the division is inadequate.