Last year, the Ontario government revised the Provincial report card and the report card dates for elementary students. This 2011-2012 school year will be the second year of these revised report cards and timelines. All Grade 1-8 students in Ontario will bring home an Elementary Progress Report Card in November followed by Elementary Provincial Report Cards in February and June.

The purpose of report cards is to communicate student achievement with parents and students. The new reporting system will provide ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, specific, meaningful, and timely to support improved learning and achievement. By sending an Elementary Progress Report Card home earlier, we are providing students, teachers and parents with an opportunity to reflect upon progress to date and discuss plans to ensure future success.

The Elementary Progress Report Card parents receive in November will not contain grades or numerical marks. The focus of this progress report will be on six learning skills; responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative and self-regulation. These learning skills are essential for success in the 21st century. The comments related to subjects will describe a student’s general progress toward the achievement of the curriculum expectations.

The Elementary Progress Report Card will be followed by a parent/guardian and teacher conference with or without the student present in November. The conference (or meeting) is an opportunity to engage in conversation with parents and student about the progress report. Further details of strengths and next steps for improvement are discussed through the use of portfolios illustrating the student’s achievement and learning. Teachers, students and parents will share ways they can work together to support the achievement of the agreed upon goals for improvement.

The Elementary Provincial Report Card in February and June provides grades or numerical marks along with descriptive comments, and will also contain feedback related to the same learning skills.

Regular communication between home and school is encouraged. The Elementary Progress Report Card and Elementary Provincial Report Cards are one aspect of ongoing communication. As always, parents and guardians should discuss concerns and questions with their child’s teacher at any time.