Statewide testing programs to be reviewed

By Jennifer Leete

A major review of assessment programs in NSW schools is to be conducted by Professor George Cooney of Macquarie University, Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt has announced.

While the term "assessment programs" will lead teachers to assume the review is about school based assessment, in fact it is about "statewide assessments", essentially the statewide testing programs, with the notable exception of the Higher School Certificate.

The review comes about because of developments at the national level in terms of federal government requirements that the states report on student achievement in literacy and numeracy tests for years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Professor Cooney is conducting the review in consultation with a reference group on which the Federation is represented. He has provided the union with the following outline of his review:

"Starting in 2007 there are to be national tests of literacy and numeracy for all students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The review will look at current NSW assessment programs of literacy and numeracy, such as the Basic Skills Tests and the English Language and Literacy Assessment (ELLA), and how they fit with these new national tests.

"Professor George Cooney, from the School of Education at Macquarie University, has been appointed to conduct the review. A reference group, which includes a representative from Federation, has been set up to provide advice to Professor Cooney.

"As part of the review, Professor Cooney will survey a large sample of schools in middle November. The target sample will comprise 50 per cent of central and high schools and 25 per cent of primary schools in NSW. Within each school the principal, a sample of teachers and a sample of parents will be invited to participate in the survey by completing a written questionnaire. The questionnaires should take no more than 30 minutes to complete and look at the way statewide assessment information is used."

Many Federation members are likely to receive survey forms. The union encourages members to complete them in a full and frank manner. The union has confidence that all responses will be handled confidentially.

A huge issue which will arise during the course of the review is the issue of the future of the School Certificate examination in year 10. From 2007 students in year 9 will be required to sit statewide tests at the very least in English, mathematics and science (the statewide ESSA test was only announced last year). NSW is now the only state to retain external examinations for year 10. Federation policy opposes external examinations as part of the School Certificate.

Federation will make a written submission to Professor Cooney's review which will draw on our policy of opposition to mass statewide testing and opposition to national testing programs.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

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November 2005 contents