New students to Ontario: placement, academic assessment, and English language support

Scope: English-language schools in Ontario. The content below outlines the policies of the Ontario Ministry of Education; it does not apply as a general rule for all Canadian provinces.

1. How are new students placed?

According to the Ontario Schools guidelines, at the elementary level, English language learners are placed in age-appropriate groups. At the secondary level, placement or course selection is based on the student's prior schooling, subject knowledge, and goals. The principal makes the decision after consultation with the student, staff, and parents or guardians, and communicates the decision and the rationale.

2. English language support does not replace core curriculum learning

Students may require ESL or ELD support and program modifications. Ontario regulations stipulate that English language learners must participate in their grade-level or subject-specific classes for at least part of each day. In secondary school, when modifying curriculum requirements, the principal must consult with teachers to ensure the integrity of the credit.

3. Reading the ESL/ELD box on a report card

According to the Program Planning guidelines, the ESL/ELD box should only be checked when curriculum requirements have been modified to meet English language learning needs. Do not check this box solely because a student is participating in ESL/ELD or is only receiving accommodations for learning approaches.

The Ontario elementary progress report card explains: results marked with ESL/ELD are assessed based on expectations modified from the grade-level curriculum to support English language acquisition. Therefore, it is necessary to read grades in conjunction with notes and comments to understand the basis of the assessment.

4. Can it be asserted that "Canada does not have grade retention"?

This assertion cannot be used to describe the policy of every province. In Ontario, guidelines state that students who successfully complete Grade 8 will be promoted to Grade 9. Age-appropriate placement for English language learners and the meeting of learning requirements are subjects covered by specific, separate regulations.