Revised: September 25, 2001
Revised: May 28, 2013

Policy

The Board of Education is committed to supporting student learning through quality assessment practices. Assessment is the continuous process of gathering data on student learning and performance, using a variety of methods over time. Assessment must be transparent, purposeful, reliable, valid and reflective. It provides valuable and useful information to the students, the teachers, and parents as they work together in improving learning, building skills, and acquiring knowledge.   

Educators formatively assess by observing students, using effective questioning strategies, and setting tasks that require students to use specific skills, apply new ideas, and to communicate, reflect, and extend their learning in a variety of ways.

Educators summatively assess student learning at a particular point in time based on criteria that are measurable, well-defined, and useful for future student learning and for teachers’ ongoing reflection of their professional practice.

Assessment is part of the learning process that represents each learner’s unique character.   Assessment procedures must be developed in accordance with BC Ministerial Orders and Policies and relevant North Vancouver School District Service Delivery Models.

Student assessment and evaluation in North Vancouver School District:

• Is communicated clearly to students and parents
• Is ongoing, research-based, varied in nature, and administered over a period of time to allow students to demonstrate their full range of learning
• Provides ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, meaningful, and timely
• Informs best teaching practice in order to adjust instruction to meet student learning needs
• Uses a wide range of current methods that assess process and product of students’ knowledge, skills and understanding
• Uses clearly identified curriculum outcomes and criteria
• Engages and includes students in monitoring and critically reflecting on their learning in order to self-assess their personal growth; and
• Respects the developmental differences of students recognizing that students learn at different rates and in a variety of ways.

The Superintendent, or the Superintendent’s designate, will review this policy as required.

Links

BC Ministry of Education
Student Learning Assessment Order
Classroom Assessment and Student Reporting

North Vancouver School District
Policy 203: Evaluation of Student Achievement and Reporting to Parents
Inclusive Education 44 Learning Services Handbook
Learning Assistance Handbook