The Government of Saskatchewan is taking a significant step in education by introducing new assessments for students.
Guided by the Provincial Education Plan (PEP), the program aims to monitor student performance in core subjects. Education Minister, Everett Hindley, highlighted the initiative's importance.
“A provincial assessment program will help us identify how kids are doing in the classroom so we can provide teachers and students with the building blocks needed to have the best learning experience," stated Hindley.
The program will address foundational skills, particularly in reading for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students. According to Hindley, the government ensures students receive essential knowledge for success in a growing province.
“We want our students to receive the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a growing province,” Hindley added.
Starting in 2025-26, the introduction to the assessments will begin gradually. Grade 5 and Grade 9 students will complete annual mathematics assessments.
Meanwhile, Grades 4, 7, and 10 students will participate in English language arts assessments. These evaluations will provide a consistent measure of academic progress. Currently, all other Canadian provinces have their own assessment systems aligned with their curricula.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education is collaborating with PEP partners to refine the approach. This includes developing a common framework for reading assessments.
“Learning assessment” is one of the four key priorities outlined in the PEP, alongside Indigenous education, mental health and well-being, and student transitions.
Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutions, and School Community Councils representing parents provided input to develop the Provincial Education Plan. Additionally, this collaborative effort reflects a broad commitment to enhancing education across Saskatchewan.
Meanwhile, the Lloydminster Public and Catholic School Divisions expressed their support for the initiative. In a joint statement, they emphasized the importance of working closely with the Ministry of Education.
“As the new Saskatchewan Student Assessment Program initiative evolves, we are committed to collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education and our educational partners to gain a thorough understanding of its implementation at the local level,” the statement read.
The divisions aim to integrate the program effectively, ensuring it supports student learning and aligns with provincial guidelines.
“Through proactive engagement and alignment with provincial guidelines, we aim to provide a seamless transition that prioritizes the needs of our students,” the divisions stated.
This new initiative marks a focused effort to enhance student achievement and ensure a high-quality education for Saskatchewan’s youth.
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