Current Developments

 DCSF press announcement of 14.10.08 concerning the end of statutory key stage 3 tests and school accountability changes.

 Secretary of State's Letter concerning the end of statutory key stage 3 tests and school accountability changes.

ARIA (Analysis and Review of Innovations in Assessment) is a Nuffield-funded project by the Assessment Reform Group exploring initiatives across the UK that are engaging teachers in the development of both formative and summative assessment practice.

 AAIA is running a one day conference for AAIA members to hear about and discuss the findings and implications of the Assessment Reform Group’s most recent project published in
Changing Assessment Practice: Process, Principles and Standards. For details and an application form, please download the conference materials.

The Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors has been established to improve the quality of assessment in schools and colleges by working with educational assessors to develop their knowledge, understanding and capability in all aspects of educational testing and assessment

The House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families has continued the enquiry into Testing and Assessment initiated by the previous Education and Skills Committee.

Assessment for the future: Building a case for change
published by the General Teaching Council for England in March 2007 considers changes in assessment through the themes of assessment for learning, assessment for accountability and assessment for monitoring national standards.

The 2020 Vision: Report of the Teaching and Learning in 2020 Review Group presents a vision for personalising teaching and learning for children and young people aged 5-16.

The consultation on the development of single level tests in England can be found at Making Good Progress. The latest information on the pilot programme can be found on the National Assessment Agency site.

Changes to the curriculum and assessment in Northern Ireland can be found on the new website for Northern Ireland Curriculum and assessment Arrangements.

14-19 Reform for the latest developments in 14-19 education in England.

A Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners in England published in 2004.

The Children’s Plan launched in December 2007 contains a 10 year strategy for children and young people.

Assessing Pupils’ Progress on the National Strategy Primary Framework for Literacy and Mathematics.

The DCSF Standards site also provides details of the Assessing Pupils' Progress in English Handbook for Key Stage 3 English.

The Primary Review - the two year review of primary education in England based at the University of Cambridge and funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

In January 2008 the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families announced a review of primary education in England.