Grade 8 Literacy Scan
| What targeted actions did we take to address our school’s learning focus? | In October 2025, we conducted our first Grade 8 Proficiency-Based Assessment (PBA) in Social Studies and ELL classes. At the same time, teachers were surveyed through departments on what their observations were on student learning, specifically challenges students were experiencing. |
| What gap or problem were these actions intended to address? Why was this particular strategy/action chosen? | It was important for staff to understand the profile of our grade 8 students in order to better support them in their transition to high school and to support their success in the classroom. Since literacy is foundational to success across all curricular areas, identifying student needs was a key priority. Reviewing and discussing the PBA results as a staff was chosen as a way to build a shared understanding of student literacy development. This collaborative process helped identify common trends, strengths, and challenges, enabling teachers to provide more targeted support and reinforce effective literacy strategies across the curriculum. The goal is to strengthen literacy skills in individual classes while helping students apply those skills consistently in all subject areas. |
| What does the evidence tell us so far? | The PBA results indicate that many students are not yet demonstrating strong literacy skills, with most performing at the Emerging or Developing level overall. The greatest areas of need are note-making and making connections, where few students are performing proficiently. Department observations align with these findings. Staff noted concerns around low written output, difficulties with literacy skills, and a reluctance among many students to take risks or step outside their comfort zones when learning. The results reveal a gap between confidence and actual skill mastery, suggesting that students may not yet recognize the extent of their learning needs. Overall, the evidence points to a need for targeted literacy and reading comprehension instruction, with particular attention to note-making, making connections, written communication, and supports for ELL and SPED learners. It also highlights the importance of building student confidence, engagement, and willingness to take academic risks. |
| To what extent are the actions making a difference? | The Literacy Support Facilitator has presented these findings to teachers at our monthly staff meetings and department meetings, and Pro-D days. And facilitated discussions and presentations on areas of development and strategies for implementation. |
| How will we move forward accordingly? | Our next steps will focus on strengthening literacy skills across all subject areas through collaborative work with our teachers led by our Literacy Support Facilitator. Grade 8 teachers will provide targeted literacy instruction and implement strategies to support students' executive functioning and social-emotional development. To monitor progress and guide future planning, we will reassess Grade 8 students a second PBA later in the school year. |
Updated:
Friday, July 3, 2026