Families:

What is happening with marks, grading and report cards?

I would like to update you on Nova Scotia’s approach to student assessment during this pandemic. As we work together in service to the students and families in our region, a guiding notion is that we support people, where they are, and to the degree that individuals can manage. Our efforts to date have proven that working together provincially provides coherence, comfort and assurance – things that are necessary during this extremely difficult time. Our approach to assessment continues to evidence this support for students and families.

Our foundational belief that no student will be disadvantaged because of the COVID-19 pandemic forms the basis of our approach to student assessment. It has been developed collaboratively by staff from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Regional Centres for Education, the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union and the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia.

Highlights of our approach to Assessment include:

    All students will receive an end of the year report card.
    Students following an Individual Program Plan will continue to be assessed based on their individual outcomes.
    Students on-track to graduate will graduate and students on-track to proceed to their next grade level will move to their next grade on time.
    Teachers and schools will work with students to improve their marks during the pandemic.
    High school students will be assessed and evaluated on modified coursework that is completed to the best of their ability.

For more details on Assessment, click here.

Upcoming dates:

    Students in Grades Primary-9 will receive a Term Two report card by mid-May. These report cards will be emailed to parents and reflect work that would have been completed up to March 13. Schools will also be in contact with families if an email option is not available.
    Students in Grades 10-12 will receive interim grades posted in PowerSchool by May 14, 2020.

Thank you for everything you are doing to support the learning needs of your child(ren). If this is becoming too much for your family, please reach out to your child’s teacher/principal to discuss. We are here to support what’s possible in your family, and are actively supporting diverse approaches to your daily reality. Nothing is more important than the well-being of your family, especially at this time.
Teachers, principals and other school support staff will continue to reach out while schools are closed. Know we are also here to provide support: connect@hrce.ca or call 902-464-2000.

Stay safe and stay well.

Elwin LeRoux
Regional Executive Director of Education