Saskatchewan will cease Grade 12 provincial exams this August as the province creates a new student assessment program.
Currently, only some Grade 12 students write provincial exams. Others do not, which has raised fairness concerns. In 2023-24, only 25 per cent of students had to write provincial exams.
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“Discontinuing provincial exams … aligns with feedback I have received,” said Education Minister Everett Hindley.
He said that feedback came from school board trustees, teachers and families across Saskatchewan.
“We are pleased work continues on developing a Saskatchewan Student Assessment program,” said Hindley, noting the program will help improve student success.
Meanwhile, adults and home-based learners will still be able to earn Grade 12 credits. They can enroll in Grade 12 courses through the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre or post-secondary institutions.
“School boards welcome this announcement,” said Saskatchewan School Boards Association president Dr. Shawn Davidson.
He said the government listened to feedback from educators and families.
“Our membership passed resolutions … that called for the elimination of provincial examinations,” said Davidson.
He said this move supports “more meaningful assessment practices” and keeps the curriculum strong.
The Ministry of Education is now working with education partners to create the Saskatchewan Student Assessment (SSA) program.
That program was first announced in November 2024.
When ready, it will assess students in certain grades and subjects.
It will test math in Grades 5 and 9 and English Language Arts in Grades 4, 7 and 10.
The SSA will help parents, teachers and students understand student progress.
It will also support classroom teaching and help improve student results.
More information is available at saskatchewan.ca/assessment.
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