I am deeply committed to my students and know that they have valuable opinions to share regarding their learning. In fact, evaluation and assessment should, ideally, include the learner’s perspective. To this end, I have decided to participate in this Pilot project.
What does this mean for your child? Your child will still receive a formal assessment twice more this year. The main difference is that there will be no letter grades. It is my hope and desire that information can be communicated more clearly through comments and/or regular updates, rather than a letter grade. This will give a clear and continuous picture of your child’s learning.
This is a brand new, but very exciting, time for all of us! I have begun conversing with your children about what they like and don’t like about report cards and what they think could be changed.
For now, I am focusing our efforts on evaluating French language skills and Work Habits. Of course, French is an integral part of the Intensive French program, which is why I believe it is the best subject with which to start this Pilot program. As for Work Habits, your children communicated to me that they wished there was more information on this other than twice a year at Interims.
I do not yet have all the answers. I cannot yet say what format your child’s formal assessment will be for the end of Term 2. This is a continual work in progress. Last Friday, students participated in a variety of self-evaluations. While I believe communication with you and your child is key, the exact format of that communication will continue to evolve over the course of the next few weeks.
I wish to thank you for your time, patience and help in this matter. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.