Understanding assessment from the ground up: The diagnostic approach

• In Event: Assessment for Learning: A GPE Effort to Strengthen Systems of Learning Assessment

Proposal

One of the core activities of A4L is diagnostics of existing national learning assessment systems that will be used to develop evidence-based strategies to strengthen these systems. The rationale for the diagnostics is that even though most countries have implemented various learning assessments and have information available on the systems and structures behind these exercises, much of this information exists only in piecemeal fashion and has not been harnessed to inform policy and capacity building.

The A4L diagnostics cover all types of assessments (formative assessments, examinations, and large scale assessments) as well as the linkages between them. Building on the SABER framework and other tools, they look at both policy intent and actual implementation of the assessments. They also investigate the extent to which information is linked to EMIS and flows to different parts of the system (curricula, textbooks, teacher training, pedagogy, policy) in order to identify bottlenecks for the use of learning data. With consideration of the human, financial, and technical constraints of each context, the diagnostic exercise aims to outline recommendations to strengthen the learning assessment system in a way that meets the unique needs of each country. After the diagnostic approach is piloted in a few countries, the methodology and implementation process will be refined, shared as a public good, and scaled to other countries.

In this presentation, a representative of the national team responsible for conducting the diagnostic in one of the three initial countries of the pilot phase (in sub-Saharan Africa, in this case) will share how the diagnostic is proceeding in his/her country thus far, the lessons learned and how this exercise will support the country in strengthening its learning assessment system.

Author

• Ramya Vivekanandan, Global Partnership for Education