Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)

The provincial government has been administering the Foundation Skills Assessment tests to all students in Grades 4 and 7 since 2000. This test does not help students learn or teachers teach. It takes valuable time and much needed resources away from the classroom learning and undermines the ability to provide meaningful learning experiences for all students.

The FSA results are misused by a private organization to rank schools based on a very narrow measure. The FSA tests do not result in any additional funding or support for students.

For parents

• What Parents Need to Know (Nov 2009)  
• FSA withdrawal letter (Nov 2009)  
• Testing? You bet – brochure (Nov 2009)  

Videos for parents, trustees, and the public

• One test does not fit all (Oct 2009)
• The FSA: Failing Our Students (Jan 2009)
• Teachers Speak Out on FSA (Dec 2008)
• Your Education Matters: Jan 2009 episode
• Your Education Matters: Aug 2008 episode

School Staff Alerts about the FSA

• The FSA pressure is on (Jan 13, 2010)
• Reaching parents on FSAs (Jan 7, 2010)
• Teachers: Do not practise for or mark the FSA(2) (Nov 20, 2009)
• Teachers: Do not practise for or mark the FSA (Oct 15, 2009)

Background information

• Effects of FSA testing 
• Misuse of FSA data 
• What's a better way?