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