Literacy & Numeracy Assessments

Key Assessments:

• Graduation Numeracy Assessment (GNA):

  • A provincial assessment for all Grade 10 students. 
  • Assesses student proficiency in numeracy, focusing on applying mathematical concepts learned across multiple subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 10. 
  • Students use five numeracy processes (interpret, apply, solve, analyze, and communicate) to solve problems. 
  • The assessment is delivered online and has three components: a common component with computer-scored questions, a student-choice component with written-response questions, and a self-reflection component. 
  • The GNA was introduced in the 2017/18 school year. 
• Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA):

  • A provincial assessment for all Grade 10 and Grade 12 students. 
  • The Grade 10 Literacy Assessment (English and Francophone) was introduced in 2019/20, while the Grade 12 Literacy Assessment (English, Francophone, and French Immersion) was introduced in 2020/21. 
  • Assesses student proficiency in literacy, focusing on the ability to use critical and reflective thinking and analysis to make meaning from a diverse array of texts and to communicate ideas. 
  • The GLA is not based on a particular subject matter or course, but rather on learning across multiple subjects from kindergarten to Grade 12. 
• Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA):

  • An annual province-wide assessment of all B.C. students’ academic skills in grades 4 and 7. 
  • Provides parents, teachers, schools, school districts, and the ministry with information on how well students are progressing in the foundation skills of Literacy and Numeracy. 

• Graduation Requirement:

  Both the GNA and GLA are requirements for graduation from the BC Graduation Program. 
• Assessment of Skills:

  The assessments evaluate student achievement, core learning competencies, and literacy and numeracy skills. 
• Data for Improvement:

  Results data is used to support student success and determine how to improve the system for future students. 
• Alignment with Curriculum:

  The graduation assessments are designed to align with the new curriculum and international trends for large-scale assessments. 
• Focus on Application:

  The assessments focus on the demonstration and application of numeracy and literacy skills in realistic situations. 
• Opportunities for Rewriting:

  Students have opportunities to rewrite the graduation assessments to set goals for improving their proficiency levels. 
• Review Process:

  Students can view their assessment responses through the review process, which can be helpful when preparing to re-take an assessment. 
• Sample Assessments:

  Sample assessments are available for students and teachers to familiarize themselves with the new format and types of questions.