Essential Elements of CSL
Essential Elements of Communicating Student Learning
Supporting Student Voice, Growth, and Shared Ownership
Communicating Student Learning (CSL) recognizes learning as an ongoing process. Through assessment, reflection, and communication, students, teachers, and families develop a shared understanding of growth, achievement, and next steps. Personalized portfolios of learning help strengthen student voice, inform teaching practices, and support home-school connections.
The Essential Elements
Capturing Learning
Students gather evidence of learning through:
- Observations of learning in classroom and school contexts
- Conversations about learning, thinking, and understanding
- Products that demonstrate learning and growth
- Reflections that help students identify strengths and next steps
Learning may be documented through digital or non-digital portfolios.
Opening Doors
Schools create opportunities for families to engage in learning through conferences, open houses, classroom showcases, learning fairs, and portfolio sharing.
Conferencing
Students, teachers, and families work together to reflect on learning, celebrate successes, identify areas for growth, and establish next steps.
Reporting
Reporting communicates student progress in relation to learning standards and key areas of learning, providing a snapshot of achievement within the larger learning journey.
