The Prairie South Schools Grading Practices Document outlines a student-centred, outcomes-based approach to assessment, grading, and reporting, with the goal of accurately communicating what students know, understand, and can do in relation to Saskatchewan curricular outcomes.
Edsby is designed to bridge the gap between school and home by supporting this learning journey. By organizing our gradebooks around specific learning outcomes and the factors affecting student achievement (FASA) in elementary, we provide timely, transparent communication. This ensures teachers, students, and parents/caregivers share the same learning goals and can collaboratively support student success.
The document emphasizes fair, culturally inclusive, transparent, and responsive assessment practices. It provides specific guidance on common grading practices, including attendance, late and incomplete work, zeros, reassessment/redo opportunities, homework, extra credit, group work, and academic integrity, emphasizing that grades should reflect achievement rather than behaviour. Overall, the document promotes assessment as an ongoing process that supports student growth, provides meaningful feedback, involves students in their learning, and ensures reporting reflects their most current demonstrated level of achievement.
Teachers in Prairie South have been working for several years to examine grading practices and update those practices based on current research on student learning. The intention of regularly reviewing our practices is to establish a fair, equitable and transparent system of assessment that enhances student confidence in their ability to learn.
Parents/caregivers are encouraged to contact teachers at any time to discuss their child’s progress and any concerns they may have. Student led conferences will take place twice annually – once in the fall and once in the spring. These conferences provide students with an opportunity to share a snapshot of their learning with parents; they are meant to be a highlight of their learning. Parents who wish to discuss progress or who have specific concerns or questions are encouraged to contact teachers at any time during the year.
A summary of Prairie South’s grading practices can be found here