The provincial government’s policy document, on which assessment, evaluation, and reporting in Ontario schools for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 are based. The Growing Success (2010) policy document clearly states that communication with parents and students should be continuous throughout the year, and provides suggestions for parent/teacher conferences, informal reports, phone calls, etc.

Growing Success represents the first time that a government policy document recognizes the professional judgement of teachers. The policy defines professional judgement as judgement that is informed by professional knowledge of curriculum expectations, context, evidence of learning methods of instruction, and assessment, and criteria and standards that indicate success in student learning. School boards should not be implementing any additional formal report cards on student achievement beyond the provincially mandated reports that are part of the Growing Success policy. The teacher is to use her/his professional judgement in communicating achievement with parents and students.