With the launch of @examscot I thought these thoughts across various tweets by us last week were worth restating.
The Scottish Government U-turn around the 2020 SQA examination results may have simply been politic, for a minority government, faced with a no confidence vote in their Depute First Minister and Education supremo. The decision may have been influenced by the coverage, by the range and by the strength of feeling articulated across Scotland not lessening. Whatever led to the policy change, we are delighted for young people who had wrongs corrected on 11th August but we NOW need to move on.
There are positives to highlight:
√ teacher estimates have been restored (but for downgrades only) and candidates will be awarded what their teachers submitted to SQA
√Professor Mark Priestley from Stirling University, a well-respected academic, is to head an independent review of school and SQA 2020 moderation processes and procedures that led to the furore on 4th August
However, the Depute First Minister announced that a wider review of potential new approaches to assessment and certification has been given to the OECD as part of the current Curriculum for Excellence Review. This feels like kicking a key current issue into the long grass. An exploration of all possibilities for new all approaches to assessment, examination and certification requires broad input and representation from all levels across education. We need the voices of teachers, of school leaders, of directors of education, of universities, of students and parents and civic society heard and be given real opportunity to influence outcomes. No more ‘usual suspects in the walled garden’ having the greatest say and sway.
There have been excellent contributions made to this discussion by many so far. We now need a platform for all voices.
Welcome to @exam.scot which was launched on 20 August 2020. To get involved follow @exam.scot on twitter and read and contribute to discussions on the website exam.scot
There are NO right answers, NO one way forward being promoted.
exam.scot provides: an opportunity to have your voice heard; an opportunity to learn about the art of the possible; an opportunity to influence direction.