Measures of Student Achievement and Success
The school follows Ministry of Education as well as OCDSB Policies and Procedures for student assessment and evaluation. Student Achievement is assessed and evaluated according to the expectations stated in the Provincial Curriculum documents for each subject area and grade and using the OCDSB Educator’s Resource Guide. Assessment for Learning refers to the ongoing feedback teachers give to students. Through descriptive feedback on learning tasks students receive guidance on how to improve their achievement. Through the identification of the strengths and next steps of individual students, teachers are better able to prepare and develop programs that meet the learning needs of the children.
In addition to standardized assessments, we utilize qualitative rubrics, student portfolios, teachers’ observations, along with other types of formative and summative assessments. We believe that using a wide range of assessment strategies will provide valuable information, and allow for a greater number of opportunities in which students are able to express their learning.
To direct planning and teaching, all students are assessed throughout the year using the PM/GB+ Benchmarks assessment tool. Student scores are tracked to ensure that students are progressing to the greatest extent possible.
Student progress in reading is closely monitored and early intervention is a continued focus. Parents are encouraged to support their child through home reading and in setting realistic goals at the end of each assessment period. Students experiencing difficulties receive additional assessments through our Special Education staff and the OCDSB Learning Support Services Department including psychological, speech and language and social work assessments.
School Learning Plan and Initiatives
Severn staff is committed to excellence in teaching using best practices within a safe and caring environment. The School Learning Plan for the 2019-2020 school year helps staff to focus plans for measurable results in student learning and achievement, particularly in the area of Numeracy. Severn staff has been trained in best practices through ongoing Professional Development through Board and Ministry initiatives over a number of years.
Severn staff believes strongly in a culture of reading. Students are asked to read independently. Parents are encouraged to make a commitment to read with their children each day. Severn staff is currently working to improve student understanding of math concepts and problem solving. Severn staff has a history of being a strong professional learning community. We are committed to finding ways to respond when students experience difficulty learning.
Community Partnerships & Initiatives
• The Kiwanis Club
• Ottawa Reads
• The Ottawa Network for Education
• The Ottawa Food Bank
• Algonquin College
• Big Brothers and Sisters of Ottawa
• Breakfast Club
• Chapters FUNdraisers
• The Education Foundation
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