We know that you may have many questions about how student's are evaluated in the classroom. Please see below for answers to many of our frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my child’s work evaluated?

All teachers in publicly-funded schools in Ontario use the Provincial Achievement Chart to evaluate student work in Grades 1-12.

This chart outlines four categories that are assessed in every subject:

Knowledge and Understanding – Subject specific content acquired in each grade, and the comprehension of its meaning and significance.

Thinking – The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes.

Communication – The conveying of meaning through various forms (oral, written and visual).

Application – The knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts.

The Provincial Achievement Chart also outlines four levels of achievement:

 

%Grade

Grade

Level 4- The student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills with a high degree of effectiveness. Achievement surpasses the provincial standard.

80% - 100%

A

Level 3- The student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills with considerable effectiveness. Achievement meets the provincial standard.

70% - 79%

B

Level 2- The student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills with some effectiveness. Achievement approaches the provincial standard.

60% - 69%

C

Level 1- The student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills with limited effectiveness. Achievement falls much below the provincial standard.

50% - 59%

D

Below level 1- The student has not demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Extensive remediation is required.

Below 50%

R

 

What is a report card?

A report card is provided to students in Grades 1-12. It summarizes your child’s achievement of the learning expectations in each subject, as well as their development of essential learning skills and work habits.

When do report cards go out?

An Elementary Progress Report Card is sent home in early November. Elementary Provincial Report Cards are sent home in the middle of March and again at the end of June.

Students in our secondary schools receive report cards twice per semester (four times per year):

  • Semester 1 - a midterm report card is sent home in late November and a final report card in early February

  • Semester 2 - a midterm report card is sent home in late April and a final report card at the end of June

What are learning skills and work habits?

The Ministry of Education has identified six skills that are essential for student success:

  • Responsibility

  • Organization

  • Independent Work

  • Collaboration

  • Initiative

  • Self-regulation

The assessment of these skills is based on observation.

How are Kindergarten students evaluated?

Observation – Teachers will view and document your child’s learning during play so they can make effective teaching decisions.

Conferencing – Meeting between the teacher and your child, to review the learning progress. 

Self-assessment – Children will be given the opportunity to assess their own personal progress in knowledge, skills, processes and attitudes.

Portfolios – A portfolio is a collection of samples of your child’s work. It demonstrates the range and depth of your child’s achievement.

What is the Ontario Student Record (OSR)?

The OSR is required for any student who is attending a school in the province of Ontario. It documents the student’s educational progress while they are enrolled in school.
The components of the OSR include:

  • biographical data (e.g., date of birth, student number)

  • names of parents

  • photographs

  • school attended

  • special health information

  • report cards

  • Ontario Student Transcript (OST) (if applicable)

  • a documentation file (if applicable)

  • an office index card

  • any additional information identified as being conducive to the improvement of instruction (e.g., information on school activities/special achievements)

  • student record of accumulated instruction in French as a Second Language in elementary school

  • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) challenge for credit: cumulative tracking record (if applicable)

  • retirement (no longer enrolled) from an Ontario school (if applicable)

What is the Ontario Student Transcript (OST)?

An official and consistent record of secondary school credit courses successfully completed by a student.
The OST contains three sections:

  • General Information: date of issue, name, student number, date of birth and school last attended

  • Academic Information: course title, grade level, percentage mark and credit

  • Diploma Information: community hours, literacy test, specialized programs and diploma or certificate awarded

To get a copy of your OST, please contact the last school you attended.