Understanding Ontario report cards
Ontario report cards describe how well a student is meeting the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum for their grade. Teachers use four levels of achievement. Level 3 is the provincial standard, and parents of students at Level 3 can be confident their child is prepared for work in the next grade.
The four levels
Level 1D range
Official meaning: Achievement falls much below the provincial standard. The student demonstrates the specified knowledge and skills with limited effectiveness.
In plain words: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
Level 2C range
Official meaning: Achievement approaches the provincial standard. The student demonstrates the specified knowledge and skills with some effectiveness.
In plain words: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
Level 3B range
Official meaning: Achievement is at the provincial standard. The student demonstrates the specified knowledge and skills with considerable effectiveness.
In plain words: Has it! Level 3 is the provincial standard. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
Level 4A range
Official meaning: Achievement surpasses the provincial standard. The student demonstrates the specified knowledge and skills with a high degree of effectiveness.
In plain words: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Source: Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools (2010).
What else is on the report card
Four levels, with Level 3 as the standard
Level 1 is much below the provincial standard, Level 2 approaches it, Level 3 meets it and Level 4 surpasses it. Level 4 doesn't mean your child went beyond the expectations for the grade.
Letter grades in Grades 1 to 6, percentages in Grades 7 to 9
In Grades 1 to 6 the levels are reported as letter grades (Level 3 is a B). In Grades 7 to 9 they are reported as percentage marks (Level 3 is 70 to 79 per cent). Kindergarten doesn't use grades or marks.
Three reports a year
Families get a progress report card in the fall, then a provincial report card in winter and another near the end of June. Kindergarten families get written communications of learning instead.
Learning skills are reported separately
Six learning skills and work habits are rated apart from the marks: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative and self-regulation.
Province-wide assessments
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) runs assessments in reading, writing and math in Grades 3 and 6. They are separate from report cards.
Common questions
Is Level 1 a failing grade?
No. Level 1 means your child is working well below the standard right now and needs more support in that area. It tells you where extra practice and a talk with the teacher will help.
Is Level 3 an average grade?
Level 3 is the provincial standard, which is the goal for every student. It is a B in Grades 1 to 6 and 70 to 79 per cent in Grades 7 to 9, and it means your child is on track.
What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4?
Level 4 means your child shows the learning with a high degree of effectiveness. It doesn't mean they've learned things beyond their grade, and it isn't expected in every area.
Does Gradelings give a Level?
No. Gradelings shows how practice is going on the same four steps, so you can see where your child is strong and where to practise. Your child's teacher decides their level on the report card.
How can I help at home?
Ask your child's teacher which expectations to focus on, then try short, regular practice (10 to 15 minutes). Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.