It's no testing week for the West Ferris family of schools

Near North District School Board
News Release

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The week of December 3-7, 2012 has been declared “No Testing Week” by West Ferris Secondary School administrators.

Last year “No Testing Week” was so successful, that interest has spread to elementary schools that feed into the secondary school, which include include Ferris Glen, M.T. Davidson, Marshall Park, Silver Birches, Sunset Park and Tweedsmuir.

“Marshall Park Public School is thrilled to be taking part in the No Testing Week. Our teachers are looking forward to observing students’ successes and using talk to gain a better understanding,” said Principal Gisele Lynch.

Instead of testing during the week, teachers will be assessing and evaluating student learning with a focus on conversation, observations, and products. Staff want to bring awareness to the many different ways they assess and evaluate students – all of which are having a positive impact on student achievement.

West Ferris principal Sean Ruddy is excited to see the initiative grow. “I am thrilled that we are being joined by our West Ferris family of schools in this unique week. For one week, instead of focusing on high stakes, high pressure testing, we turn our attention to all of the creative, differentiated, and authentic learning that takes place in our buildings. Our teachers will be given free rein to focus on all learning styles and create an environment that increases student engagement and success,” said Ruddy.

School administrators are not the only ones supportive of the initiative. West Ferris co-president Maisie Genest said “Many of my fellow students get discouraged with tests despite how much they prepare. For one week, the weight is lifted off our shoulders and we don’t have to stress out. This allows us to focus on our other individual projects.”

Historically, this is the time of year that our students get stressed, with exams coming up and college and university applications due. Across the province, schools are seeing a dramatic increase in social, emotional and mental health issues at school.

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