Understanding New Brunswick report cards
Anglophone-sector report cards from Kindergarten to Grade 8 use one four-point scale for every subject, reported three times a year (November, March and June). A separate section reports five learning habits. In Grade 9 and beyond, each course also receives a numerical grade.
The four levels
Working below1
Official meaning: Has a limited understanding of the skill descriptors so far and rarely applies learning. Significant improvement is needed in specific areas, and interventions are necessary.
In plain words: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
Approaching2
Official meaning: Has some understanding of the skill descriptors so far and, with support, applies learning to familiar situations. Work on identified learning gaps is needed.
In plain words: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
Meeting3 or 3+
Official meaning: Has a solid understanding of the skill descriptors so far and often applies learning to familiar situations. On track to reach the end-of-year learning goals.
In plain words: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
Excelling4 or 4+
Official meaning: Has a thorough understanding of the skill descriptors so far and consistently applies learning to new situations.
In plain words: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Source: New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development: Assessing, Evaluating, Reporting K–8.
What else is on the report card
A four-point scale, Kindergarten to Grade 8
4 means excelling, 3 means meeting, 2 means approaching and 1 means working below the learning goals for the grade. A “+” on a 3 or a 4 (3+ and 4+) shows work that is more consistent or independent. The scale is reported by strand, such as Number or Reading, so you can see where your child is strong.
Skill descriptors and learning goals
The curriculum describes what learners can do in skill descriptors that sit under big ideas in each strand. The levels on the report card show how your child is doing against these skill descriptors so far and whether they are on track to reach the end-of-year learning goals.
Learning habits
Independence, initiative, interactions, organization and responsibility are reported from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Each has observable indicators, such as asking for help when needed, working well with others and completing work on time. They are not part of the subject levels.
NA, a blank box and learning plans
NA means there is not enough evidence yet to give a level. A blank box means the strand has not been taught in that reporting period. PLP-ADJ and IND show that a personalized learning plan adjusts or individualizes the goals.
Grades 9 to 12
High school report cards give each course a numerical grade each quarter or semester, with comments such as meeting or approaching curriculum expectations. Check your school’s report card for how Grade 9 is reported.
Common questions
A 4 is very strong work for the grade level, applied to new situations. A 4+ means that, in addition, the learner’s work goes beyond grade-level expectations.
Both 3 and 3+ show appropriate learning for the grade. A 3+ means your child is doing it more consistently and independently in familiar situations.
No. Gradelings shows how practice is going on four steps that line up with the report card for your child’s grade, so you can see where your child is strong and where to practise. Your child’s teacher decides the level.
NA means there was not enough evidence to give a level yet, for example in a subject taught once a week. A blank box means the strand has not been taught in that reporting period.
Ask your child’s teacher which skill descriptors to focus on, then try short, regular practice (10 to 15 minutes). Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.