Grade 4 and 7 students attending FVDES are required to participate in the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) for the 2008-2009 school year as indicated on the Student Learning Plan and mandated by the Provincial Government. Students will write three assessments consisting of 2 parts each (reading comprehension, writing, and numeracy). Once again, students may write the assessments at FVDES under the supervision of a teacher. In special circumstances where students are unable to take the assessments at FVDES, you may choose to write the assessments at home, under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

If you choose to have your child write the assessments at FVDES:

1. Choose 2 of the 4 dates listed below consisting of one “session #1” and one “session #2” date.
   
   
2. Call Cathy Meeres, elementary secretary, at 1-800-663-3381 or 604-794-7310 (ext.2448) by Wednesday, January 28th to register.
   
   
3. Arrange for your child to arrive 15 minutes prior to exam time on both dates. Remember to send a bag lunch or snack for your child. Students are permitted to use a dictionary and thesaurus. Calculators may be used when completing the Numeracy component. Please bring these items if you wish to use them.
   

SESSION #1 Monday, Feb 9th or Tuesday, Feb 10th
Test Time	Component	Response Mode	Length of Exam
10:30 – 11:30 am	PART 1: Reading Comprehension – reading passages and multiple-choice questions	Online	60 min.
Break – Students may bring a bag lunch or snack
12:00 – 12:30 pm	Part 2: Reading Comprehension – 2 passages and 1 written response question	On paper	30 min.
12:45 – 1:15 pm	PART 3: Short Writing	On paper	30 min.

SESSION #2 Wednesday, Feb 11th or Thursday, Feb 12th
Test Time	Component	Response Mode	Length of Exam
10:30 – 11:30 am	PART 4: Long Writing	On Paper	60 min.
Break – Students may bring a bag lunch or snack
12:00 – 1:00 pm	Part 5: Numeracy – multiple choice questions	Online	60 min.
1:15 – 1:45 pm	PART 6: Numeracy – written response questions	On paper	30 min.

In special circumstances where students are unable to take the assessments at FVDES, you may choose to write the assessments at home, under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

1. Call your child’s teacher by Wednesday, January 28^th to discuss this option of delivery. The teacher will ask for approval by the principal prior to assessment dates.  They may be reached by calling 1-800-663-3381 or 604-794-7310, Elizabeth Baker ext. 2452 (grade 7), or Ken Nachtigal ext. 2456 (grade 4).
   
   
2. Students writing at home will need access to a computer in order to complete the electronic portions of the assessments.  If you will be using your own personal computer, please review the attached document to ensure your computer meets the required specifications.  You may contact our Tech Department (ext. 9000) if you have any questions or concerns. FVDES school computers already meet the required specifications for FSA.
   
   
3. Technical Specifications for Home Computers used for FSA

  If you have chosen to write at home, instructions, answer sheets, and passwords will be mailed to parents or guardians prior to exam dates. Parents/Guardians are to ensure that students complete the assessments between the dates of February 4^th - 20^th, 2009.  Please note that the electronic components of the FSA are available only from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Completed written assessments must be returned to FVDES in the enclosed postage paid envelope no later than February 20^th.