ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Regina Public Schools

New for this year -

This year we will be discontinuing the following benchmark assessments at the system level:
o Grade 3 Math Problem Solving
o Grade 6 Math Problem Solving
o Grade 9 Math Problem Solving

These changes have been made in order to allow our system to develop new value added assessments that align with the Outcome and Indicators found in the new curricula. This will also enable us to provide ongoing support for teachers in the delivery of the new Math curriculum.

In order to support students, teachers, and your school improvement planning, ongoing support will be available despite the change in our assessment schedule. Specifically, if you desire to have your students complete any of the problem solving assessments, we will provide assessment materials; arrange scoring sessions and any associated substitute coverage. Schools should plan to submit student work at the same time as was outlined in the assessment schedule included in the Principal’s Opening package.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Greg Miller, Supervisor of Assessment or Greg Smith, Assessment and Evaluation Consultant. Thank you for your ongoing effort in the assessment of student growth and achievement throughout the division.

Regina Public Schools assesses math problem solving skills in Grades 3, 6 and 9.

Mathematics problem solving was assessed in Grades 3 and 6 for the first time in 2000-2001 to improve students’ problem-solving skills. Grade 9 and Math A30 students were first assessed in 2004. Student performance was assessed in three areas of problem solving: first, Understanding, second, Strategies, Reasoning and Procedures, and last, Communication. Mathematics problem-solving performance is examined by comparing a student’s problem solving to standards of problem solving achievement along a four-point scale. Student work achieving a Practitioner or Expert level has met the standard of acceptable problem solving. The rubric used to assess student's math problem solving skills is available to download here.

Exemplars used in prior year's assessments are available to be downloaded and used in the classroom as a support for teachers. Click here to navigate to the exemplars.