Assessment functioning of external assessments
These reports describe a programme of research that Ofqual is conducting to assess the functioning of vocational and technical qualifications.
Applies to England
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These reports provide an overview of the technical functioning of external tests, or units, from vocational qualifications, which are on or going onto Department for Education performance tables.
The first wave of research considered assessment functioning in 27 qualifications; the second wave looked at a different set of 20 qualifications. Overall, the majority of tests analysed in both waves functioned well or reasonably well. However, there were some tests which had poor functioning, either because too many items within the test had poor functioning or because the test design was below optimal.
Awarding organisations must have due regard to credible evidence which suggests that a change in its approach to the development, delivery and award of qualifications is required in order to ensure that the approach remains appropriate.
Each awarding organisation received an overall report summarising how their units performed in relation to the other tests, as well as a report for each test included in the research.
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Last updated 18 April 2019 + show all updates
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