VI. How Learning is Assessed, Evaluated, and Reported

What kind of reports can parents expect from the school?

Students with special needs are provided with progress reports on the same schedule as their classmates.

When a student with special needs is expected to achieve or surpass the learning outcomes set out in the provincial curriculum, regular grading practices and reporting procedures are followed.

If your child is not capable of achieving the learning outcomes set out in the provincial curriculum, substantial modifications may be necessary. In these instances, individual goals and objectives will be set for him as part of IEP planning. Structured written comments will be used instead of letter grades to report on his success in achieving these goals and objectives. The Student Progress Report Order 7 requires that student progress reports in these circumstances must contain written comments describing

Individualized goals may be set beyond the prescribed outcomes for a student's grade level for students who are gifted. Reporting should include structured written comments on the student's progress on these additional goals, in addition to the regular reporting procedures.

When a professional support person other than the classroom teacher is responsible for providing some portion of your child's educational program (e.g. speech/language pathologists, orientation and mobility instructors), this person usually provides a written report to parents on the student's progress, for inclusion with the report of the classroom teacher.

What about credentials in the Graduation Years?

The Dogwood Diploma is awarded to all students upon the successful completion of prescribed provincial graduation requirements. Students with special needs whose programs include adaptations to allow them to achieve the prescribed learning outcomes of the established curriculum are eligible to receive the Dogwood Diploma.

The British Columbia School Completion Certificate is issued to all students who have met the goals and objectives stated in their Student Learning Plans, as agreed upon by the student, parent and school representative. Most graduating students will be awarded a School Completion Certificate, but students do not need to graduate in order to qualify. If your child has been working on modified curriculum goals, her efforts will be recognized with a British Columbia School Completion Certificate.

At the end of a student's final school year, students receive a Transcript of Grades, including all Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses successfully completed, achievement levels, and whether or not graduation requirements have been met. The Ministry issues transcripts to all Grade 12 students following completion of their school year, regardless of graduation status. The student's school is the official holder of student records, and may subsequently issue Transcripts upon request.

Are adaptations extended to provincial exams?

All students, including those with special needs, who are following the provincial curriculum are required to write provincial examinations in certain subjects offered in Grades 11 and 12. Some students are unable to demonstrate their learning unless examination procedures are adjusted to accommodate their special needs. The adjudication process enables those students to write Provincial Exams by adapting the exam conditions. The content of exams is not altered in this process. Eligible students may be allowed extra time, may receive an adapted exam format and/or may use alternate means of recording their responses to exam questions. Adjudication requests are reviewed and considered individually. Appropriate documentation must be provided by the school to the Ministry's Evaluations and Accountability Branch. The school principal is responsible for submitting an application for permission to allow adjudicated examinations.