Information for Parents and Guardians
PROVINCIAL GRADE 7 LITERACY ASSESSMENT
Week of October 18th, 2010
In today’s highly complex and competitive world, students should be given every opportunity to learn. These opportunities begin by being able to read, write, understand and communicate information.
What is the Provincial Grade 7 Literacy Assessment?
This assessment is an important component of New Brunswick’s literacy initiative. It supports the provincial commitment that students are able to read, comprehend and write at an acceptable standard.
Will all grade 7 students take part?
All students in grade 7 will participate. Students whose Special Education Plans justify their not being involved may be exempted from or do only part of the assessment.
What will the Literacy Assessment be like?
The Literacy Assessment will include two parts designed to test reading comprehension and writing competency:
Part One – Reading Comprehension
Students will read several passages of literary and information text, and will answer questions to assess their understanding. Questions will require students to recall facts, to apply, to interpret, to analyze and evaluate ideas, and to think critically.
Part Two – Writing
Students will work independently to create an original piece of writing. They will write to a prompt they have selected from a series of writing prompts provided. This part will be completed in one ninety-minute session (with up to an additional ninety minutes, as needed).
For educational purposes only, your child’s composition (which would remain anonymous) could be selected for publication in a booklet of student writing samples for electronic distribution and/or distribution to schools.
When will the Literacy Assessment take place?
The testing is scheduled for the week of October 18th, 2010.
How will the assessment be marked?
In cooperation with Department of Education consultants, professional educators will meet provincially later this fall to examine students’ work.
How will results be reported?
Later during this academic year, results will be produced showing how well grade 7 students have performed. Provincial, district and school-level information will be released; as well, schools will receive individual student results to share with parents/guardians.
For more information, you may contact the Department of Education at (506) 453-2744.