Changes to Assessment and Evaluation in Ontario Secondary Schools (Grades 9 to 12)
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2026
Ontario is introducing new assessment and evaluation rules for secondary students. These changes are intended to create a more consistent approach across schools, support student success, and better prepare students for life after high school.
WHAT IS CHANGING?
Final Grades in all courses will include three parts:
Grades 9 and 10
- 65% from coursework completed during the semester
- 20% from final evaluations (exams and/or culminating activities)
- 15% from attendance and participation
Grades 11 and 12
- 65% from coursework completed during the semester
- 25% from final evaluations (exams and/or culminating activities)
- 10% from attendance and participation
WRITTEN EXAMS ARE RETURNING TO MOST COURSES
- Most secondary courses will now include a mandatory written final exam.
- All final exams will be written during the school’s scheduled exam period. These dates are published on the School and Board calendar.
- Depending on the subject, the final evaluation may be:
– a written exam only, or
– a combination of a written exam and a culminating task (project, presentation, portfolio, etc.).
- Each course’s Course Information Sheet will include whether the final evaluation is a written exam only or a combination of exam and culminating task. This information is given to students at the beginning of each semester.
- Some courses will not require a written exam but will require a culminating task. This includes the following subjects:
– Co-operative education
– Interdisciplinary studies
– Guidance and Career Education (excluding Grade 10 Careers)
- eLearning courses are subject to the same attendance, participation, and written exam requirements as in-person courses.
- Accommodations and Modifications will continue to be implemented according to the IEP for exceptional students with an IEP.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION WILL AFFECT FINAL GRADES
In all courses, a portion of a student’s final grade will be based on:
- Attendance
- Participation in class
- Contributions to discussions and activities
- Respectful interactions with others
- Positive involvement in the learning environment
IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDANCE
- Parent approved absences will not negatively affect grades.
- Parents must inform the school of any parent-approved absences.
- Excused absences may include illness, cultural observances, holy days, board-approved activities, and other reasons approved by the principal.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
- Encourage regular attendance and active participation in class.
- Report all parent-approved absences to the school in a timely manner.
- Ensure students are present for the entirety of the Final Exam period in both semesters. Do not schedule vacations during this time.
- Discuss organizational and study skills throughout the semester.
- Stay informed about course-specific assessment plans shared by teachers.
For more information about Changes to Assessment and Evaluation in Ontario’s Secondary Schools visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/growing-success-assessment-evaluation-and-reporting-ontario-schools-kindergarten-grade-12
