Evidence-based policy?
The first in a series of education research seminars takes place in the UK House of Commons on 25 April.
The Chairman of the Education and Skills Select Committee, Barry Sheerman MP, and Cambridge Assessment are working together to deliver hard evidence to politicians on a range of issues. The first seminar will deal with the controversial subject of national assessment. The UK is thinking of changing its current system of Key Stage 2 and 3 tests. A number of alternative approaches, backed by research evidence, will be put forward. A vigorous debate is expected to follow.
The discussions will cover how to enhance teaching and learning; information for school accountability; and information on national standards to inform policy. The Cambridge Assessment Group’s Director of Research, Sylvia Green, said: “Unless a new national assessment system delivers all three objectives, it will never be adopted by Government. We hope the seminar brings politicians and researchers together to solve the problems in a realistic way.
