Parents around the province can share their thoughts on how they want to keep track of their child’s progress from kindergarten to Grade 9, thanks to a broad public engagement kicking off today.

The world is changing and British Columbia’s new curriculum is making sure the next generation of students have the skills they need to succeed in that changing world. With the introduction of the new curriculum, other parts of the education system will also be updated.

Student progress is reported in many different ways, including report cards, parent-teacher meetings and regular student/parent/teacher check-ins. Government is asking parents to share their thoughts on report cards and all types of progress reporting by visiting: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress before Feb. 28, 2017.

The input received from parents will help shape the information they receive and how they receive it starting in the 2017-18 school year. Additionally, the Ministry of Education is hosting 10 community meetings throughout the province so parents can offer their input in-person and ask questions about how reporting could work.

All feedback will be considered as a provincial student reporting approach is finalized, giving families a deeper understanding of their child’s progress through timely and comprehensive information. A summary report on what was heard during the engagement will be produced and posted online in June 2017.

There will be opportunities for parents to give input on progress reporting in grades 10-12 in the future.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Parents want to know how their child is doing at school – and our new curriculum is an opportunity to make sure we are giving parents the right information. We have a real opportunity for parents to get an even deeper understanding of their child’s progress. I’m encouraging everyone to fill out the feedback form and take part in their nearest public meeting.”

John Bird, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils –

"The need for more frequent and timely progress reporting has never been more evident, especially when considered in the context of the new curriculum. Assessment and reporting must be designed to the support the successful development of competencies, such as critical thinking and communication skills. At the same time, we must ensure that our attention to literacy and numeracy is sustained. It is an exciting time for parents, who will have opportunities to engage in their children's learning in more meaningful ways."

Quick Facts:

• Ten community meetings are being scheduled around the province, giving families the opportunity to talk to ministry and school district officials and participate in small, facilitated discussions.
• These meetings are open to everyone, including parents and groups from surrounding school districts.
  • October:
    • Greater Victoria
  • November:
    • Kimberley
    • Dawson Creek
    • Terrace
  • January:
    • Abbotsford
    • Surrey
    • Port Hardy
    • Kamloops
  • February:
    • Richmond
    • Penticton
• Details on meeting times and locations will be updated on the engagement website at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress/en/communitymeetings/

Learn More:

Learn more about the new parent engagement and how to provide your feedback by visiting: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress