Report card time can be exciting—or overwhelming. In Saskatchewan, assessments go beyond simple grades to evaluate a student’s progress in key subject areas and learning behaviours.
But what do report card levels really mean? How can parents track their child’s growth? And what steps should you take if extra support is needed?
This guide breaks down Saskatchewan’s grading system, explains teacher feedback, and explores how tutoring can help close learning gaps.
How Saskatchewan Schools Assess Students
Saskatchewan schools follow an outcome-based assessment model, meaning students are evaluated on specific learning goals rather than just letter grades.
Instead of averaging test scores, teachers assess a student’s ability to meet curriculum standards in core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
💡 Outcome-based grading focuses on what a student has learned rather than how well they perform on tests.
Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education – Assessment & Reporting
What’s Included in a Saskatchewan Report Card?
Parents receive three report cards per year, outlining their child’s performance in key areas:
- Achievement Levels: A four-point scale measuring progress toward curriculum goals.
- Learning Behaviours: Work habits such as engagement, responsibility, and collaboration.
- Teacher Feedback: Personalized comments highlighting strengths, challenges, and next steps.
- Attendance Records: Absences and late arrivals that may impact learning.
💡 Understanding these categories can help parents focus on both academic skills and personal development.
Breaking Down Achievement Levels
Saskatchewan uses a four-point scale instead of letter grades for Grades 1–9.
- Level 4 – Excelling: Student consistently exceeds curriculum expectations.
- Level 3 – Meeting Expectations: Performing at grade level.
- Level 2 – Approaching Expectations: Progressing but requires additional support.
- Level 1 – Needs Improvement: Not yet meeting expectations and needs significant intervention.
In high school (Grades 10-12), students receive percentage grades instead, with 50% as the minimum passing mark.
💡 If a student consistently receives Level 1 or 2, they may need targeted academic support.
How to Evaluate Your Child’s Progress
Look for Trends Over Time
- Is your child improving in key subjects, or are repeatedly struggling across multiple terms?
- Are certain competencies consistently marked lower than others?
Read the Teacher’s Comments Carefully
Teacher feedback provides insight beyond numbers:
✔ Strengths – Areas where your child excels.
✔ Challenges – Skills that need improvement.
✔ Recommended Strategies – Suggested next steps for learning.
💡 If the same concerns appear across multiple reports, additional support may be needed.
Pay Attention to Learning Behaviours
Academic success isn’t just about subject mastery—it also depends on work habits and engagement. Saskatchewan report cards assess:
✔ Responsibility – Does your child complete assignments on time?
✔ Collaboration – Do they work effectively with others?
✔ Independence – Are they developing problem-solving skills?
💡 Even if subject grades are strong, weak learning behaviours may indicate struggles with organization or motivation.
Does Your Child Need Extra Help?
Many parents wonder: “Is my child on track, or do they need tutoring?”
Warning signs to watch for:
- Consistently receiving Level 1 or 2 in a subject
- Struggling with math concepts, reading comprehension, or writing skills
- Low teacher feedback on engagement or participation
- Difficulty completing homework or preparing for tests
- Frustration, anxiety, or loss of confidence in learning
💡 Early intervention can prevent small struggles from becoming bigger obstacles.
How Connect Education Can Help
At Connect Education, we specialize in one-on-one tutoring with certified Saskatchewan teachers who understand the provincial curriculum.
Why Saskatchewan Parents Choose Connect Education:
✔ Certified Saskatchewan Teachers – Not just tutors, but real educators who understand the provincial standards.
✔ Customized Learning Plans – Tailored instruction focusing on specific competencies.
✔ Flexible Scheduling – Online or in-person tutoring to fit your schedule.
✔ Support for All Subjects – Math, Science, French, English, Social Studies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does each Saskatchewan achievement level (1-4) mean?
Saskatchewan uses a four-point scale for Grades 1 to 9. Level 4 (Excelling) means your child consistently exceeds curriculum expectations. Level 3 (Meeting Expectations) means they are performing at grade level, which is on track. Level 2 (Approaching Expectations) means they are progressing but need additional support. Level 1 (Needs Improvement) means they are not yet meeting expectations and require significant intervention. Grades 10 to 12 switch to percentage grades with a 50 percent passing mark.
My child is at Level 3 but the teacher comment mentions challenges. Should I worry?
Level 3 means your child is meeting grade-level expectations, so the overall picture is healthy. However, teacher comments often flag specific competencies or learning behaviours, like organization, focus, or written communication, that may be holding them back from Level 4 or could slip if unaddressed. Take the comment seriously: ask the teacher what one or two skills to practice at home, and consider tutoring if the same theme appears in two consecutive reports.
How can a tutor help my child catch up on Saskatchewan curriculum?
A certified Saskatchewan teacher knows the outcome-based curriculum and can pinpoint exactly which competencies your child needs to build to move from Level 1 or 2 toward Level 3. Connect Education matches your child with a certified educator who creates a personalized one-on-one learning plan, available online, in person, or at a public library, after a free 15-minute assessment for a personalized quote. Early intervention works best, so do not wait.
Book a FREE assessment today at Connect-Education.com to set your child up for success.
