Question NW796 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Share this page:

24 March 2022 - NW796

Profile picture: Nodada, Mr BB

Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       (a) By what date will the systemic tests commence nationally and (b) what grades will the specified tests cover; (2) whether all learners in those grades will be tested; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) who has formulated the tests; (4) whether the tests have been internationally benchmarked; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the tests will be independently marked; if not, who will mark them; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)       (a) By what date will the systemic tests commence nationally and (b) what grades will the specified tests cover;

            The systemic tests commenced on 28 February 2022 and covers grades 3, 6 and 9.

(2)       whether all learners in those grades will be tested; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

           In line with international testing methods, an intact class is randomly selected in approximately 3000 sampled schools for participation. All learners in this class participate but the learners in the other classes do not. This methodology maintains that a random selection of learners is able to statistically represent the broader learner population. The selected class is not known to the school before the test administration and the test items are confidential. 

(3)       who has formulated the tests;

        The tests were developed by test development panels who have been appointed and specifically trained by the Department of Basic Education to set high quality test items using item response theory. 

(4)       whether the tests have been internationally benchmarked; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

            Yes, the tests and test items have been quality assured by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER)

(5)       whether the tests will be independently marked; if not, who will mark them; if so, what are the relevant details?    

            The tests have only multiple choice questions which are marked by a computer system. The marking is automated to reduce error and improve efficiency of resulting.                          

Source file