To inform their research, the QCAA ’s senior curriculum and assessment working groups conducted an online survey during April 2015 to obtain some broad feedback on assessment processes and the proposed role of school-based and external assessment in Queensland senior schooling.
The survey successfully engaged a significant segment of the workforce, with 93 per cent of 4465 respondents being either teachers, heads of department, principals or deputy principals. More than half of all respondents had either past or current experience as review panellists.
Results
In broad terms, the survey confirmed what the Australian Council for Educational Research discovered in its review and QCAA subsequently found when it conducted meetings with over 300 secondary school principals in March 2015 — there was overwhelming support for preserving and strengthening school-based assessment and the introduction of complementary external assessments.
Over 90 per cent of all respondents wanted to preserve school-based assessment through initiatives such as endorsing assessments before they are used in schools (85 per cent). Over 70 per cent of respondents expressed a desire for external assessment to be introduced into the Queensland system but there were mixed views on the extent to which it should contribute to a student’s overall grade.
As a feedback mechanism for respondents, the QCAA Board made the survey results publicly available on its website.
- Last reviewed:
- 25 July 2018
- Last updated:
- 18 January 2016
