As of August 2023, the BC government has made changes to how and when progress reports are issued. With the new BC report card schedule, students are guaranteed to receive a minimum of five communications throughout the school year. Four of these communications will be learning updates, and the fifth one will be a summary of learning, also known as the final report card.
What Is a Learning Update?
A learning update is a way for teachers to communicate with parents and guardians. Of the four learning updates issued in a year, two must be provided in writing. These two written updates are what we know as report cards.
A written update must include an assessment of how a student is performing in the areas of learning covered in school. For K-9 students, teachers will use the terms “emerging,” “developing,” “proficient,” and “extending” to describe how a student is doing (how to read the new BC report cards). For students in grades 10-12, teachers will use letter grades and percentages. The written update will also include your child’s attendance record, recommendations as to how they can grow as a student, and a self-reflection.
The other two required learning updates are informal and can come in a variety of forms. Parent-teacher conferences, emails, phone calls, and printed documents (like report cards) are all possible. It is the school’s responsibility to let parents and guardians know what form students’ learning updates will come in, so contact your child’s school if they haven’t made that clear.
What Is the BC Report Card Schedule for 2023/2024?
Each school is different, so there is no fixed BC report card schedule. However, we have outlined some possible schedules.
Linear System
Most elementary schools, and some middle and high schools, follow a linear system. This means that a student will have the same classes year-round. Under a linear system, it is likely that students will receive learning updates according to the following schedule:
October: Informal learning update
December: Written learning update (report card)
February: Informal learning update
April: Written learning update (report card)
June: Summary of learning (final report card)
Semester System
Most middle and high schools follow a semester system. This means that a student’s classes will change at the end of a semester, which is usually halfway through the school year. Under a semester system, it is likely that students will receive learning updates according to the following schedule:
October: Informal learning update
November: Written learning update (report card)
January: Summary of learning (final report card for semester 1)
March: Informal learning update
April: Written learning update (report card)
June: Summary of learning (final report card for the year)
How Dover Bay Secondary School Is Handling the New Guidelines
Dover Bay Secondary School in Nanaimo, BC is choosing to issue reports at the end of November. Grade 8 and 9 students following the linear course system will receive paper interim report cards, and all other students will receive online reports accessible via MyEd. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to the school if a different form of delivery is preferred.
Report Cards… With A Twist!
Ultimately, schools are able to set their own reporting schedules, so we recommend that you contact your child’s school directly to find out more. If you would like help with this, we’re here for you! At Tutoring…With A Twist*, we’re happy to help you navigate the new BC report card schedule, parent-teacher interviews, and any other educational area you have questions about. We can equip you with the tools to self-advocate, or we can advocate on your behalf. Feel free to contact us for more information!
Want More than Five Learning Updates Per Year?
At the end of each month, our Twisted Tutoring Families receive an in-depth Twisted Tutoring Report which lays out what has taken place during each Twisted Tutoring Session. This includes your child’s goals, the topics covered, the materials and methods used, and the amazing results. Progression is clearly tracked, and accountability is maintained. It’s like a monthly report card! There is no extra cost for this—it’s included in the hourly Twisted Tutoring investment.
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*Services provided by With a Twist Education Ltd.