Grade 6 Literacy Assessment Nova Scotia Department of Education Fall 2003

Introduction A Grade 6 Reading and Writing assessment was developed and administered by the Nova Scotia Dept. of Education in October 2003 A Grade 6 Reading and Writing assessment was developed and administered by the Nova Scotia Dept. of Education in October 2003

Purpose of the Assessment  To identify struggling readers and writers in grade 6  To develop support plans as needed

The assessment involved…  Reading and answering questions about: - a short story - a poem - an advertisement - a visual media text

The assessment involved…  Writing: - a story - a letter

Grade 6 English Language Arts Program - Listening and speaking - Reading and viewing - Writing and representing

The Gr. 6 Literacy Assessment Reflects grade 5 curriculum outcomes in: Reflects grade 5 curriculum outcomes in: -reading and viewing -writing and representing

Each day in the classroom… Teachers plan instruction based on: - curriculum outcomes - ongoing informal assessments, such as conferences, reading records, writing folders etc.

The Grade 6 Nova Scotia Dept. of Education Literacy Assessment is one additional piece of information about each student. The Grade 6 Nova Scotia Dept. of Education Literacy Assessment is one additional piece of information about each student.

Classroom Instruction Classroom teachers use all of these informal assessments to identify student strengths and next steps for instruction. Classroom teachers use all of these informal assessments to identify student strengths and next steps for instruction.

Reporting of Provincial Results  In March 2004, parents and guardians will receive a report about their child’s grade 6 literacy assessment  Schools and teachers will also receive a report

Planning For Support  Students requiring additional support in meeting the grade 6 language arts curriculum outcomes will be identified  Principals, teachers, parents and students will develop a Literacy Support Plan for identified students

Support Plans The Literacy Support Plans will provide an opportunity for parents and guardians, students and teachers to: - consider what strategies and interventions currently exist - determine a focus for additional support