haahuupayak School - Student Handbook 2006/2007

Student Assessment and Evaluation

Evaluation and assessment of students, by teachers, must always be done keeping in mind the goals and objectives of First Nation Education. It is important to clarify that evaluation is not "grading" but is an ongoing process in considering the progress of students towards our objectives. Evaluation is much more than tests and quizzes: day-to-day observations are vital in evaluating the overall growth of students.

A student’s progress is measured through assessment and evaluation. Assessment is the gathering of evidence of what a student can do. The evidence can include examples of assigned class work: individual or group projects; answers to oral questioning; classroom quizzes and tests; and a teacher’s notes and observations. Evaluation is the on-going process of making judgements about the student’s work and progress, and making decisions about the most appropriate learning activities and program for the student.

The Ministry of Education requires each school to communicate student progress to parents three times a year on a formal basis, and twice during the year on an informal basis. Formal reports will be made through report cards sent home three times during the year.

Kindergarten and Primary (grade 1-3) Report cards use written comments and checklists to evaluate attitudes and work habits, as well as to indicate progress in development levels where appropriate. Parents are encouraged to participate in building a relationship with their child/ren’s teacher for the purposes of advancing their youngster’s development at school.

Intermediate Report Cards (grade 4-6) use a dual rating system to evaluate achievement and effort. A marking scheme has been established to help teachers, students and parents in the evaluation. The symbols used in grades 4-6 and percentage equivalent are as follows:

• A = 86%+
• B = 80-85
• C+ = 73-79
• C = 60-66
• C- = 50-59
• D = Below 49
• I = Incomplete

Written records are also an important method of evaluating students.

During the first intermediate conference (4-6), we will be having the traditional parent-teacher conference (without the student). This conference will be held in order for the parent(s) and teacher to become better acquainted with one another, to provide an opportunity for parents to discuss important issues regarding their child, for teachers to outline expectations of parents, students and themselves for the upcoming year, and to discuss curriculum content that will be covered during the year. The second conference will be a three-way conference in which the students take on a major role in explaining to their parents what they have learned and sharing their goals for the next term. As the report cards will be sent home prior to the conferences, a space will be left open on the report card to be completed after the conference so that parents will play a key role in sharing their knowledge of their child’s growth and development. This three-way partnership of child-parent-teacher should help each student develop his or her gifts and talents to the fullest. Parents will have an opportunity to meet with the teacher for a private conference about the child if they feel further discussion is needed. Appointments can be made by contacting your child’s teacher. The final conference is held at the request of the parent or teacher. In such cases where a student is not able to progress up to grade level, a modified program may be implemented and learning assistance may be required to help develop responsibility and self-discipline in the student.

Parents are encouraged to call us any time if there are questions regarding student progress.

Students in grade 4 will write the Foundation Skills Assessment tests (FSA) in April/May each year.

All students in grades 3-6 will write the Canadian Achievement Test (CAT 3) in May each year.

All students entering Kindergarten will receive a Kindergarten Screen Assessment in October to identify developmental abilities.

Homework Guidelines

Assigned homework focuses on projects, unfinished class work and addition practice in weak areas. As part of their responsibility as a student, pupils in the intermediate grades should spend some time each night doing homework.

The purpose of homework is:

• to help promote responsibility for learning
• to provide individual study time
• to have time to research topics of interest
• to review notes
• to develop research and study techniques necessary for education at higher levels
• to show parents the progress the student is making
• to promote communication between school and home

How can parents help?

• establish a consistent " homework time"
• check the planning book for any homework or communication to the parent
• provide a quiet, regular space to work
• provide the necessary materials (Dictionary, pencils, light, etc.)
• encourage efficiency through organization of time
• participate in:
  • practicing math drills
  • listening to reading
  • reviewing questions
  • checking for understanding of material in preparation for upcoming tests
  • helping with spelling
• Encourage completion of tasks
• Praise your children for their efforts

Teachers regularly check student assignments and, where necessary, will expect incomplete or carelessly done assignments to be redone.

Study Skills for Intermediate Students

Homework is an expectation and a requirement in all British Columbia schools for students in the intermediate elementary grades. Students in grades 4-6 are considered independent learners. Teachers at haahuupayak will assign age/grade appropriate assignments for home review and study.

Planning Books

Students in grades 4-6 take their planning book home each day and we ask that you check it daily and sign it. Any assigned preparation work, or homework, is recorded in the appropriate space along with any reminders of special events or activities. We view the Prep Book as an essential communication device in which parents and teacher write as need dictates. Should you wish to forward any information, or message, you could simply record it and remind your child to give it to the teacher.

Home support to develop study skills in the intermediate grades begins at the primary level. Students in grades 1/2/3 are expected to participate in the planning book and a home reading program. Whole school letters, individual class letters, field trip permission slips, and other important communication will be sent home in the planning book. Please check and sign the planning book each day to indicate receipt of the various communications. Home reading and other homework assignments will be combined with the planning book program. This will help students develop responsibility while strengthening communication between home and school.