Introduction

Assessment forms an integral part of the ACT Senior Secondary System. Developing quality assessment tasks is therefore important for the integrity of the Senior Secondary System. To support teachers and ensure quality, the assessment guidelines are based on contemporary research and are designed to develop a common understanding and language of how to develop assessment to meet the needs of the students. In addition, the guidelines will inform the work of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) in the areas of moderation and assessment.

The BSSS Quality Assessment Criteria (BSSS QAC) can be used for designing and reviewing tasks. The application of the BSSS QAC can be used to assess individual tasks and be used to assess tasks holistically across a unit. The key concept underpinning the Assessment Guidelines is that of validity.

The guidelines draw directly from the principles of assessment as articulated in the Policy and Procedures document:

Principles

That assessment will:

· maintain and articulate standards that describe student achievement

· provide information about the level of students’ skill, knowledge and conceptual understandings

· discriminate between the students

· recognise the social and cultural contexts of students

· support teaching and learning goals through clear alignment with curriculum, pedagogy and reporting

· involve a range and balance of types of assessment and modes of responding

· enhance professional and public confidence.

Policy and Procedures, P.31