The Primary Program
Position Statements

Evaluation

Evaluation is the ongoing process of making judgments and decisions based on the interpretation of evidence gathered through assessment. The purposes of evaluation are to make informed instructional decisions and to provide a basis for reporting progress to the child, to parents, and to school personnel.

Evaluation is based on learning demonstrated by the child in relation to the goals of the primary program, curriculum expectations, and the descriptions of children’s learning. Descriptors, reflecting the range of growth throughout the primary years, help the teacher describe children’s learning in developmental terms. Evaluation assists the teacher in adjusting instruction to enhance and extend learning, while supporting learners by providing information on their achievements. For students with special needs, the teacher’s evaluations must be considered and routinely reviewed.

Self-evaluation and reflection assist children in becoming independent and autonomous learners. Teachers nurture the process of self-evaluation as they guide children to be reflective and as they help children recognize their accomplishments and identify their learning needs. With repeated opportunities to evaluate their work, children understand the significance of self-evaluation as a tool for lifelong learning.