+= grades,” News Parenis want standard marks in higher grades Anecdotal reporting Responses from parents of Pnmary students: Not satistied with 35 responses 10 per cent anecdotal reports Satisfied with 155 responses 43 per cent anecdotal reports Satisfied but also 142 responses 40 per cent -\want letter grades Undecided 26 responses 7 per cent Responses trom parents of intennediate students anecdotal reports Not satisfied with 77 responses 23 per cent anecdotal reports Satisfied with 89 responses 27 per cent Satisfied but also want letter grades 136 responses 42 per cent Undecided 26 responses 8 per cent The higher the grade, the more parents want letter grades on the report card, according to a survey by the Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils of Saanich (COPACS). Anecdotal reports, which replace letter grades with written comments on the child’s progress, are now being issued up to grade five inclusive. “People became less happy with it as their child moved up the said Helane Ellis, who headed the survey committee. Only 10 per cent of primary student parents opposed the anec- dotal reports. However, 23 per cent of interme- diate student parents opposed anecdotal reporting and an addi- tional 42 per cent wanted the anecdotal reports combined with some form of letter grade. Among parents of primary school students, 43 per cent were happy with anecdotal reports and 40 per cent wanted some form of letter grade added to the wnmitten comments. “People were fairly happy with it, people who had primary. age school children,” Ellis said. Since anecdotal reporting is a new system, Ellis suggested some teachers may be more successful at DIVERSE DANCERS show their form in preparation for the Stelly’s Fine Arts Festival are jazz dancer Alana Dewsbury (front) and (-n ballet dancer Nicole Davis, tap dancer Joanna David and musical theatre performer Amy Sin- Clair. Stelly’s ready for arts festival L4 Sielly’s School’s annual Christ- mas Fine Arts Festival features three packed evenings of entertain- ment. On Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 the On Stage dance company with special guests will take to the stage at the school for 90-minute performanc- es featuring 80-100 students. On Dec. 16 the Stelly’s stage band, the concert choir and the vocal jazz choir will take the stage for a two-hour Christmas special, including a preview of a February production of The Music Man. The dance show “demonstrates the diversity-of the dance pro- gram” with ballet, jazz, musical theatre and tap, imstructor Gini Foley said. Special guests include Louise Eldridge) Pat Carfra, Mel Talson, the Claremont Dance Crew and the Grade 8 boys accapella choir. “St. Nick might drop in too,” Foley said. The event is a major fundraiser to pay for about $6,000 worth of costumes the dance company uses. Tickets are $5 for adults with reduced rates for seniors and chil- dren. Call 652-4401 to reserve or purchase at the door. implementing the technique than others. ~ Personally, I feel it gives more specifics if the teacher puts the information down,” Ellis said. Some parents responding to the Survey said they appreciated the greater range of information on their child given through the anec- dotal reports. Anecdotal reporting combined with standard marks is being implemented in Grades 6 to 9 Starting this year. The district has the option of continuing anecdotal reports until the end of Grade 7. The issue is now being reviewed by a district committee. According to the survey, many parents were reluctant to endorse anecdotal reporting in the Middle Schools. Parents wanted grades. “Some parents believe that sym- bols provide more accountability in the reporting process. They feel that symbols can signal a parent’s attention to the leaming needs of the child,” Ellis wrote in a sum- mary of the survey. “Many parents believe that sym- bols still serve as incentives and prepare students for the transition to competitive situations in the real world.” This year, both Royal Oak and North Saanich Middle Schools have combined anecdotal com- ments with letter grades on their Cwics PRESENTS The Victoria Civic Orchestra Fri. Dec. 18th '92 8:00 p.m. Parkland Secondary School Theatre Tickets $7.00 - available at: «Tanners Bookstore, (Sidney, - Thought Shop, (Brentwood) - Big T Music, (Sidney) « Dave's ee eoetd (Victoria) my of the Govemment of jel a “Nini latry ei Tounem snd Minis Mey of Sidney; & District of North Saanich. We gratefully Bae rage the Britis) th ic ee vm thro: neha et Res Bet allure; TheReview Wednesday, December 9, 1992 — A18 = report cards. But even when grades are used, © they may not have traditional sig- VICTORIA nificance, Ellis said. She received a letter from her CONSERVATORY -son’s teacher at Bayside Middle oe OF MUSIC School which explained an “A’ meant the student was working to the best of his or her potential. Therefore, an “A* does not nec- essarily mean the student is excel- from Peninsu Eas : classes with Elizabeth ling in the subject when compared Brown. to fellow students. V) Ellis added that parents find the 6 Jamey 23 = May Si traditional letter grades acomfort- | ~ able way of assessing their child’s “ Nell Horth Room - Sidney accomplishments. : Public Library She predicted retention of stan- 2 dardized marks in the higher grades will surprise children who go through school receiving anec- dotal reports. : “The grades will be a shock for ¢ 6 months - 6 C) 386-5 in response to demand 2 Early-Childhood Music/ Kodaly/Ortf/Kelly Kirby phone Registrar for info. la families years 311 the ones coming up.” GORHAM CRYSTAL shakers, tree ornaments, plates & mo WALL CLOCKS - ALARM CLOCKS too numerous to mention Rue ~< Candlesticks, plates, vases, salt & pepper Bulova, Tempo, Seth Thomas, Westclox An excellent selection of all brands & styles f pe We CLERS SUN CE 1967 Seu 2443 BEACON AVENUE SIDNEY 656- 2532 aS re Nef Ready | LUNCH BOX SPECIAL in 1 Minute Choice of 6 Items 3ltems*4.50 + 4items*5.50« 6ltems*6.50 (pick-up only) 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. SK ABOUT OUR PARTY & BANQUET FOO SK ABOUT OUR PAR A OA COE bP. 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