Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) at Falkland School – Grade 4 and 7

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January 5, 2021

Dear Parents,

Beginning February 16th to March 12th, Grade 4 & 7 students at Falkland School will be completing the Foundation Skills Assessment.  The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) is a set of annual province-wide assessments in reading comprehension, writing and numeracy administered to grade 4 and 7 students. 

It is expected by the Ministry of Education that students participate in these assessments; however, there are a few narrowly defined areas where exceptions may be granted by the school principal. These exceptions include:

  1. Students with intellectual delays which limit awareness of their surroundings or whose Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) document personal learning standards significantly different from provincial curricular standards.
  2. Extenuating Circumstances – an unexpected event such as a family emergency or lengthy illness

The term “extenuating circumstances” is used by the principal, in consultation with parents/guardians, to define a particular situation that significantly impairs the child’s ability to complete the assessment.  It should be noted, extenuating circumstances does not mean exclusion merely based on parent preference. 

Please click here to read information about the importance of the FSA assessment from Peter Jory, Superintendent of Schools in SD 83.  You can also click here to access sample FSA assessments for both grade 4 and 7 to see examples of the kinds of reading (comprehension), writing, and numeracy tasks students are asked to complete on paper and online.  An overview of the various tasks is illustrated below.

If, after reading the information provided, you remain unconvinced of the FSA’s importance and wish your child in grade four or seven to be exempt, please contact Shelly Cull, school Principal to request the FSA testing schedule.  Parents, who do not wish their child to write, can choose to keep their children home during the testing times. While we are not permitted to excuse a student from the FSA because of a parent request, parents always have the right to keep their child at home, and this right will be respected during FSA testing. Students who are in attendance at the school will be expected to take part. 

Thank you for your consideration and cooperation in this matter.  Please contact the office if you have any questions or would like further information. 

Sincerely,

Shelly Cull, Principal