Provincial Assessments - Literacy and Numeracy
The Who, What and Why of Provincial Assessments
Starting in the 2017/2018 school year the BC Ministry of Education began the shift away from provincial exams towards provincial assessments.
What is a Provincial Assessment?
There are three provincial assessments that Grad program students need to take.
Grade 10 Graduation Numeracy Assessment
The Graduation Numeracy Assessment (GNA) is a provincial assessment written in Grade 10. It is a graduation requirement. The GNA is based on mathematical concepts learned across multiple subjects from kindergarten to Grade 10, with an emphasis on K–9. It requires students to solve problems by using the five numeracy processes (different ways of thinking and working): interpret, apply, solve, analyze and communicate.
HCOS has written a free resource for grad program students to access to help prepare for the Numeracy 10 assessment. To access the resource, click on this link: https://lms.onlineschool.ca/course/view.php?id=2741. Students can self-enrol in this online module, and simply need to contact their GA for the enrolment key to complete the enrolment steps.
Grade 10 Graduation Literacy Assessment
The Grade 10 Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA 10) assesses students' ability to use critical thinking and analysis to make meaning from a diverse array of texts. It also assesses the ability of students to communicate their ideas. GLA 10 is not based on a particular course but on learning across multiple subjects, from kindergarten to Grade 10.
Grade 12 Graduation Literacy Assessment
The Grade 12 Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA 12) is currently under development by the ministry and more information will be provided as released.
Who needs to take a Provincial Assessment?
| Students Graduating with a Dogwood Diploma | Adult Students Graduating with the Adult Dogwood Diploma |
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Students Graduating in 2022 and beyond must complete:
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Students graduating with an Adult Dogwood are not required to complete any of the provincial assessments.
They can however, choose to complete an assessment.
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Students on a School Completion path are not required to write any provincial assessments in the Grad program.
Why do students need to take a Provincial Assessment?
The three provincial assessments are a required part of the graduation program in BC. Students who wish to graduate with a BC Dogwood Diploma must write the provincial assessments. Students who are not yet declared Adult Graduation Program students (AGP) are also required to take the assessments. Once declared, the assessments are no longer required to earn an AGP however, they may be required by post-secondary institutions. Students should verify the admission requirements for any post-secondary institution they plan on applying to.
For more information, or if you have any further questions, please contact your Grad Advisor.
General Information
- Provincial assessments are scheduled for two hours but all students are allowed an additional third hour if they need it. If a student is entitled to additional time, it is added beyond the third hour.
- The Ministry of Education (MoE) typically gives a window of a few days in which schools can schedule provincial assessments.
- The MoE does not specify a specific start time. HCOS typically tries to start at either 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
- Students who are declared (over 18) Adult Dogwood Program (AGP) are not required to take provincial assessments.
- Please carefully consider whether a student actually needs a private setting (i.e., a room in which they are the only student writing) or whether a quiet setting with a few students writing may be sufficient.
- HCOS is required to register each student who is writing at an HCOS location (group setting or private) with the MoE. If a student is not registered, they are able to walk into a location that is offering the exam, but a seat is not guaranteed.
- Case managers of SE students are required to make arrangements for their students. If you are an SE student, please contact your Case Manager or GA for more information and help with these arrangements.