Secondary students’ schedules look different this school year due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that sees most high school students follow a quarterly model. In this model, students take two classes per ten-week period (quarter). 

This change in timetabling means an adjustment in reporting schedules too. Families will receive an interim report five weeks into a quarter and a final report at the end of the quarter. 

Communicating Student Learning 

This school year also sees an update in assessing and reporting students’ learning called Communicating Student Learning or CSL. The update puts emphasis on regular information sharing about a student’s learning between educators, families, and students. This allows both learners and families to gauge where students are in their learning, what they are working toward, and the ways that learning can be supported.  

Reporting schedule 

Families can expect ongoing communication about their child’s learning throughout the school year. This includes formal written reports and informal communications such as student-led conferences with their families and teacher, telephone conversations, electronic portfolio reviews, and student reflections on their work. Conferences are occurring virtually during the pandemic. 

While most courses follow the quarterly schedule, others -- due to their nature -- follow a linear (full-year) or semester schedule. Examples may include Band, Skills, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and Yearbook. 

Families can expect to receive two formal reports per course at the mid-point and end-point of the course, regardless of how long it runs. 

Report card format 

Students taking Grade 8 courses no longer receive letter grades. The report cards instead include a student proficiency scale (in relation to grade level expectations). The scale is as follows: 

• BEGINNING to acquire knowledge, skills, strategies and processes 

• DEVELOPING the ability to apply knowledge, skills, strategies and processes 
• APPLYING knowledge, skills, strategies and processes consistently 
• EXTENDING knowledge, skills, strategies and processes creatively and strategically 

Students in Grade 9 courses are assessed either with the student proficiency scale, or a letter grade, or a percentage. The school determines which is used. Students in Grade 10-12 courses continue to receive percentages and letter grades. All grade levels receive written comments.  

This affects all grades, but when it comes to the format of formal reports, Grade 8 and some Grade 9 students will see the biggest changes. 

This new approach to reporting provides students with meaningful feedback about their learning, empowering them to reach their goals. It also involves families as partners in the student's learning.

For more information on Communicating Student Learning, and reporting schedules for the 2020-2021 school year, please visit the Secondary Assessment and Reporting page.