More than good intentions: policy and assessment for learning in Scotland

Spencer, E. and Hayward, L. (2016) More than good intentions: policy and assessment for learning in Scotland. In: Laveault, D. and Allal, L. (eds.) Assessment for Learning: Meeting the Challenge of Implementation. Series: Enabling power of assessment (4). Springer International Publishing, pp. 111-127. ISBN 9783319392097 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-39211-0_7)

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Publisher's URL: http://www.springer.com/gb/book/9783319392097

Abstract

The major challenge in Scotland’s long history of well-intentioned policy has always been implementation, in particular the realisation of a constructive and effective relationship across research, policy, and practice. Scottish experience provides a basis for radical changes, of potential international significance, in assessment policies to ensure better practical orientation to learning. The chapter considers critically the relationship between assessment policy rhetoric in the Curriculum for Excellence (for students aged 3–15) and provision of practical guidance and professional learning opportunities. It draws on understanding of what matters in the process of change gained from previous Scottish experience in the Assessment is for Learning programme. Evidence from a study of early Curriculum for Excellence assessment practice, Assessment at Transition, shows how the design, findings, and conduct of that project have led to some collaborative action by researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to make effective implementation of key assessment policy intentions more likely, despite the inadequacy of the support originally provided. The argument then moves beyond steps to help the implementation of current Scottish policy by proposing a number of major changes to the purposes and content of typical ‘traditional’ assessment policies and practices not only in Scotland but in many countries.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hayward, Professor Louise and Spencer, Mr Ernest
Authors: Spencer, E., and Hayward, L.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy Policy and Practice
Publisher:Springer International Publishing
ISSN:2198-2643
ISBN:9783319392097

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