General Capabilities

There is a lot of discussion about whether we should assess General Capabilities. There are arguments for and against. If we do assess them, students, parents and teachers can measure progress, however, are we in danger of over assessing students? How stable are capabilities such as personal and social capability? Do they change depending on the environment and circumstances of a task? Should any assessment of the General Capabilities be student self assessment?

Here in the ACT, the General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum Priorities are embedded into content descriptors and reflection is embedded into many of the Achievement Standards. This allows teachers to encourage the development of all capabilities and consider the Cross Curriculum Priorities in their units and courses.

It is important to consider General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum Priorities in your rubric writing.