Year 10 computing assessment deferred

By Jennifer Leete

Education Minister Andrew Refshauge has accepted a recommendation from the Board of Studies that the year 10 statewide computing skills assessment not be made mandatory until 2006.

In the August 4 edition of Education Federation's concerns about the difficulty of implementing the assessment were outlined, as well as Federation's Annual Conference decision on the matter.

The trial of these assessments will continue. This includes the pen and paper test component and the school based assessment component.

Federation will be seeking full access to all the feedback obtained from teachers as part of the trial as well as the Department of Education and Training-run year 6 computing skills assessment trial. If necessary, Federation will conduct its own evaluation.

The Annual Conference decision includes the words: "Federation calls for the full establishment of facilities, training and development for teachers, and adequate release time and systems support prior to any computing skills assessments being implemented."

Federation will need to make an assessment as to whether even by 2006 this is likely to be achieved.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

For further information

August 2003 contents