Understanding NWT report cards
NWT schools are moving from the Alberta curriculum to the BC curriculum, adapted for the NWT. Grades using the adapted curriculum describe learning with a four-point proficiency scale, and a standard NWT report card is still being developed, so your child's report may look different from one school or year to the next. Each level describes where a student is right now in their learning, not a pass or fail.
The four levels
EmergingLevel 1 of 4
Official meaning: The student demonstrates an initial understanding of the concepts and competencies relevant to the expected learning.
In plain words: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
DevelopingLevel 2 of 4
Official meaning: The student demonstrates a partial understanding of the concepts and competencies relevant to the expected learning.
In plain words: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
ProficientLevel 3 of 4
Official meaning: The student demonstrates a complete understanding of the concepts and competencies relevant to the expected learning.
In plain words: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
ExtendingLevel 4 of 4
Official meaning: The student demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the concepts and competencies relevant to the expected learning.
In plain words: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Source: BC K–12 Student Reporting Policy.
What else is on the report card
Four levels, not letter grades
Grades using the adapted curriculum use Emerging, Developing, Proficient and Extending, with written comments. Grades 10 to 12 keep percentage grades.
A curriculum in transition
Grades 4 to 6 and 9 were first. Grades 7 and 8 follow, and Kindergarten to Grade 3 are on the draft curriculum in 2026-27. Ask your school which curriculum your child's grade is using this year.
Dene Kede and Inuuqatigiit stay
The NWT's own Dene Kede and Inuuqatigiit curricula weave Dene and Inuit languages, values and ways of knowing into learning, alongside the adapted BC curriculum.
Core Competencies
Students reflect on the Core Competencies (Communication, Thinking, and Personal and Social) and set goals, as in BC.
Assessments are changing
The last Alberta Achievement Tests in the NWT were written in 2023. The BC Foundation Skills Assessment is being brought in, Grade 4 first. They are separate checks of reading, writing and numeracy and are not part of the report card.
Common questions
No. Emerging means your child has an initial understanding and is early in their learning for that area. It's common, especially early in the year, and it tells you where extra practice will help.
Not exactly. The proficiency scale describes understanding, not a percentage. Developing means a partial understanding: your child can do some of it and is building toward a complete understanding.
Proficient means a complete understanding of the expected learning for the grade. It's the goal for every learning area.
Extending means a sophisticated understanding: your child applies the learning confidently and flexibly, often in new situations. It isn't expected in every area.
Ask your child's teacher which learning areas to focus on, then use short, regular practice (10–15 minutes) on those skills. Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.