NE1: North East Exams Act

[Clyde1998]

First of all, I should explain what controlled assessments are - as I think they are taken outside the UK: Controlled assessments measure subject-specific skills that cannot always be tested by timed written exam papers. They were introduced to replace coursework.

I feel that controlled assessments should be made available for those who wish to sit them, because certain subjects can't test people in a real life situation in exam conditions. For example, exams don't test people's abilities to work with other people - a very important life skill.

Controlled assessments should be seen as an equal to exams, but they're aimed at those who prefer to spread their work load over the year - as opposed to a couple of hours at the end of the year. It would also reduce exam phobias.

Some subjects may benefit from having both exams and controlled assessments as part of the course - the exam to test theory and the controlled assessment for practical work.

Can the sponsor clarify a bit more? Does this prevent teachers from setting a mandatory final exam for their classes or is it only for standardized testing?

The bill relates to standardized testing in terms of progress through the school, but it doesn't prevent teachers from setting exams (exclusively) in their classes.

[Clyde1998]

Am I understanding this correctly in that the bill applies to tests like MCAS - the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System - which is mandated by the state and is taken in grades 3-8, and then again in 10, rather than the exams teachers make to summarize their course at the end?

That's what I'm proposing at this point, yes.

[Clyde1998]

Does this bill also cover AP/IB tests which might required by schools if students take an AP/IB class? (I ask because my school does that to prevent students from taking the class so they can have it on their transcript while flunking the test.)

Looking at the list of subjects offered in these courses - I feel that some would benefit from controlled assessments. For example: English and French.

I wouldn't rule them out for AP/IB tests, but if people wish from them not to be included - I'll be happy to modify the bill.

[Clyde1998]

Does this bill also cover AP/IB tests which might required by schools if students take an AP/IB class? (I ask because my school does that to prevent students from taking the class so they can have it on their transcript while flunking the test.)

Looking at the list of subjects offered in these courses - I feel that some would benefit from controlled assessments. For example: English and French.

I wouldn't rule them out for AP/IB tests, but if people wish from them not to be included - I'll be happy to modify the bill.

I believe that AP/IB tests are required if you take the course? Or is that a school-by-school decision?

From what I've seen it's based on school-by-school decisions, but I'm not 100% sure.

[Clyde1998]

Does this bill also cover AP/IB tests which might required by schools if students take an AP/IB class? (I ask because my school does that to prevent students from taking the class so they can have it on their transcript while flunking the test.)

Looking at the list of subjects offered in these courses - I feel that some would benefit from controlled assessments. For example: English and French.

I wouldn't rule them out for AP/IB tests, but if people wish from them not to be included - I'll be happy to modify the bill.

I believe that AP/IB tests are required if you take the course? Or is that a school-by-school decision?

School-by-school decision. I offer this amendment:

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I'm happy with that amendment.

[Clyde1998]

Clyde1998, are you accepting this as friendly?

Yes.

[Clyde1998]

Aye.