Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences...and the new report card

This week sees Woodhaven welcoming students and parents to parent/student/teacher conferences.  We will be taking this opportunity to share with all the new reporting system that is being implemented in Parkland School Division.  Recently I posted a comment regarding our perspective on helping al students achieve High School +.  I see the new reporting system as a perfect fit with our vision.  We are interested in teaching every student to 'Learn How To Learn.'  Marks based report cards are a method of ranking students which lead those who need more time to learn skills to often shut down.  We will now be reporting on how students are progressing learning skills, knowing that learning is a process that evolves over time.  We want families to know if  a student has got it and if they don't where are they in the process.

I talk a lot to our staff about our new assessment being like swimming lessons.  Remember that report card that would say whether you could swim the two lengths or not.  The outcome you had to reach was clear (two lengths) and if you did it you got a check mark (you could do it independently) or if you had yet to meet the outcome, what support did you need to learn it.

The report card changes is leading to very positive changes in how Woodhaven's staff is approaching teaching and learning this year.  You will see that your child clearly knows what they are expected to learn. You will see children at your conference showing you what they can do.  

If you have questions regarding the new reporting system please call me at the school 780 962-2626 or visit http://www.psd70.ab.ca/OurSchools/ReportCards/Pages/Default.aspx.