Teresa Mormile

Report Card
Grading Scale
A Excellent B Very Good
C+ Good C- Adequate
D Poor F Failure

Criteria for Mark Evidence

Assessment
Feasible C+ The growing success document provides a good foundation for teachers to exercise their
for professionalism to implement core principles and policies. The document is based off of the values
teachers of fair and equitable treatment of all students, regardless of identity differences. Although this may
seem general, equity in any form is crucial to the teacher-student relationship that is practical for all
teachers to implement in all aspects of learning and within the school community.

Teachers are provided with achievement charts, which outline content standards and curriculum
expectations, both overall and specific. The document also outlines the four categories of
knowledge and skills: knowledge and understanding, thinking, communication, and application
(Growing Success 2010, p.16). These categories are often difficult for teachers to decipher for
different tasks, specifically“thinking”, which should be embedded in all categories. However,
these knowledge categories are all important, and teachers could ensure student success through
balance of these areas.

Practical C+ The document provides some balance for students, as assessment OF and FOR learning is
for considered ministry policy (GS 2010, p.28). This part of the policy clarifies to teachers that they
Students must provide students with descriptive feedback and steps for improvement. Similarly, teachers are
to help students set personal goals, monitor their own progress, determine next steps and reflect
on their learning.

This document could improve by providing achievement charts and descriptions in more contextual,
or student friendly language. Most students are probably completely unaware of this document
entirely, and it would be beneficial for them to know the basic ideas in order to justify or understand
their progress. Teachers of age appropriate students could make students aware of this policy in
order to ensure students are receiving a fair access to their learning experience. For example, if a
teacher is not providing clear learning goals or success criteria, a mature student could recognize
that this breaches the Growing Success policy.

Powerful C+ The document provides a focus and commitment to improve student learning. Although the
for learners document is more directed to teacher practices, there are many clear ways that growing success
creates a clear path to encourage student empowerment. For example, the learning skills which are
to be embedded in learning/assessment practices, including “responsibility, organization,
independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self regulation”(Growing Success 2010). These
skills are to be assessed separately from course work, which provides students to be recognized
for the growth of these positive skills. Similarly, students will be assessed on observation,
conversation and course work, which open up a more fair evaluation model for teachers to utilize.
This also ties into the idea of providing students with accommodations and modifications, providing
students with different and meaningful ways to display their learning.

Growing Success (2010) can improve by ensuring teachers are following through with IEP
accommodations and modifications in authentic ways. This could encourage more consistency
throughout schools, and instil the idea that all educators and school personnel are accountable for
ensuring that all students are receiving equitable instruction and are engaged in assessments to
their fullest potential.
 Overall Grade: C+ (Good)
Overall, Growing Success (2010) lays a satisfactory framework for teachers and
students to progress. While the document may not place enough focus on contextual
factors, the main ideas could be applied appropriately and positively. Equity and
fairness for all types of learners (ELL, special education, and cultural diversity),
integrating authentic assessment practices (as,for and of learning), and evaluation that
encompasses all aspects of the students progress is definitely conducive to a positive
learning environment. Teachers could benefit from applying the principles of this
document in a way that supports their equitable and authentic practices through
exercising their professional judgement. Next steps for growing success could be to
encourage further regulation and consistency within schools/school boards on how
these ideas are being implemented.

Resources

Growing Success (2010). Growing success: Assessment, evaluation and reporting in Ontario's
schools : covering grades 1 to 12. Toronto: Ministry of Education.