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National Testing of Pupils in Europe: Objectives, Organisation and Use of Results
The national testing of pupils is becoming increasingly important across Europe as a means of measuring and monitoring the quality of education, and structuring European education systems. This study was undertaken at the request of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2009. In the Czech Republic, interest in the topic is linked to a national policy debate on the possible introduction of national testing as an instrument for improving the quality of education. The purpose of the study is to provide a comparative review of the development, aims and organisation of national tests in the countries of the Eurydice Network and to gain an understanding of how test results are used in the educational career of individual pupils, as well as at school and system levels. Read an article on this document at the following link: http://www.eumonitor.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=135272
Assessment for Curriculum for Excellence
This document sets out the Scottish Government’s strategy on how to build on our existing strong foundations of effective approaches to assessment. For more information visit: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/curriculumforexcellence/assessmentandachievement/index.asp The main differences from the existing assessment arrangements are that: - Assessment practices will follow and support the new curriculum. This will promote higher quality learning and teaching and give more autonomy and professional responsibility to teachers. - Standards and expectations will be defined in a way that reflects the principles of Curriculum for Excellence. This will support greater breadth and depth of learning and a greater focus on skills development including higher order skills. - A national system of quality assurance and moderation for 3 – 18 will be developed to support teachers in achieving greater consistency and confidence in their professional judgements. - A National Assessment Resource will help teachers to achieve greater consistency and understanding in their professional judgements. There will also be a major focus on CPD to help teachers develop the skills required. Later this year, the Scottish Government will publish a Framework for Assessment as part of the Building the Curriculum series which will provide guidance and support to ensure that arrangements for assessment, at all levels of the educational community, support the values, purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence and build on the Assessment is for Learning programme. The Scottish Survey of Achievement will also be redesigned to provide more information about young people’s literacy and numeracy skills.
