The Student Transitions Project

Methodology

The findings of the Student Transitions Project are based on data extracted using personal education numbers, known as PENs. PENs are nine-digit identification numbers assigned to each student entering the B.C. education system. These numbers follow students through their K-12 and public post-secondary education in the province. The project does not include B.C. K-12 students who take their post-secondary education outside the province, or at private institutions.

Background

The project is a collaborative effort of the two ministries and British Columbia’s public post-secondary education institutions. It builds on earlier work done by the Ministry of Education and public post-secondary education institutions.

A Student Transitions Project information sharing agreement was signed in May 2005. The agreement sets out terms and conditions of the disclosure of personal information as part of the project, in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. (The data is not used to make decisions about individual students, or to analyse individual public post-secondary institutions. The Ministry of Education’s policy to protect students’ privacy is followed in all reports.)