The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)  is a program of annual tests by the Ministry of Education that provides a snapshot of how students in grades 4 and 7 are performing in relation to provincial standards (expectations) in reading comprehension, writing and numeracy. The assessed skills are part of the foundation for the development of other reading, writing and numeracy skills and for future learning success.

The Foundation Skills Assessment results  are communicated at the provincial level, the school district level, the school level and the individual student level.

The results of the annual Foundation Skills Assessment are among the many measures used to determine how students are progressing, and should be considered by parents along with ongoing classroom assessments carried out by teachers.

The Ministry of Education surveys perceptions and opinions of parents, students and school district employees about student achievement, student social development, safety, computers, physical activity and preparation of students for the future.

Satisfaction Survey Results , reported at the provincial level, school district level, and school level can be used to assist school district establish priorities, help parents and school boards understand difference in perceptions/opinions/viewpoints among education partners, help school planning councils develop school plans and help school districts develop Accountability Contracts.

Recent amendments to the School Act require British Columbia's Boards of Education to prepare and submit to the Minister of Education, an Achievement Contract with respect to standards for student performance, plans for improving student achievement in the school district, and any other matters as determined by the Minister.  As the 2007/08 school year is a transition year, Boards were required to submit an Accountability Contract: Transition Plan by October 31, 2007.