Standardized Testing in Alberta

Standardized testing in Alberta was first known to be introduced in 1892 when the government of the Northwest Territories, of which modern day Alberta was originally a part, wanted to ensure greater accountability and that its students were being taken seriously when applying to tertiary institutions.[1] Alberta has continued to use standardized testing for these same reasons. The official Ministry of Education purpose of standardized testing is to:

There are two types of provincially administered standardized testing in Alberta: Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Diploma Examinations (diplomas). Depending on the course, these tests may be administered in English or French. The first type of exams, Provincial Achievement Tests, are taken by students in grade 6 and 9, typically in May and June. The second type of exam, Diploma Examinations, are taken by students enrolled in 30-1 and 30-2 level courses. Results of the diplomas are an important factor in admissions to universities and colleges across Canada as exam results make up 30% of the course grade for 30-level subjects.

Standardized testing is controversial in general, and Alberta is not an exception. The Alberta Teacher's Association is formally against standardized testing.[4]

Additionally, the territorial governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut follow parts of the Alberta curriculum and because of this, students in these territories write botProvincial Achievement Testh types of tests.[5]

History

Provincial Achievement Tests

In 1983, the ministry instated a "Achievement Testing Program" for grades 3, 6, and 9. These were different than Provincial Achievement Tests because they assessed only one core subject (English language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science) a year.[6]

Diploma Examinations

1892 was the first time that students in, what is today Alberta, took provincial exams. At the time, Alberta was a part of the Northwest Territories and all students in what was then the Northwest Territories took the exams. These exams were taken in Standards V through VIII (grades 9 to 12).[1] It is because of this shared history that today, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut both take some of the Alberta exams.

In 1896, the exams were removed because teachers argued that students were being "monetized" because the school received $15 for each student who passed the exam.[1]

In 1905, exams were reinstated and were now worth 100% of the course mark. These exams were called “Public School Leaving Examinations”. They were taken at the end of Standard V and if the student continued their education there were also taken at the end of Standards VI through VIII.[1]

In 1912, “grades” replaced “standards” and soon after exams taken at the end of grades 10 and 11 were removed.[1]

In 1972, exams were once again removed from the remaining grades and course work was worth 100% of the course mark.

From 1976 onward there was criticism that students were not being challenged and were not prepared for tertiary education. In 1983, the ministry responded to this criticism and final exams, now called "Diploma Exams", were reinstated and were now worth 50% of course mark. The remaining 50% of the course mark was determined by course work.[1][7]

In October 2009, Alberta Education decided to eliminate the written response (Part A) for Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Pure Mathematics 30, Applied Mathematics 30, Physics 30, and Science 30. This will save the Alberta government 1.7 million dollars in producing the exams and paying teachers to mark them in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta. The written response (Part A) remains for Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2 as well as English 30-1 and 30-2. For humanities subjects, Part A written response will take place up to two weeks before Part B multiple choice.

In 2015, the ministry reduced the Diploma exams weighting to make up 30% of course mark for 2015/2016 school year.[8][9]

As of September 1, 2018, the written response component to mathematics exams will be reinstated.

Subjects

Grade twelve subjects for which there are diploma exams are:[10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Speak Out: Alberta’s Student Engagement Initiative 3rd Annual Speak Out Conference" (PDF). Alberta Government.
  2. ↑ "About Grade 12 Diploma Exams". education.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  3. ↑ "About the PATs". education.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  4. ↑ "Diploma Examinations in Alberta: A Brief History". www.teachers.ab.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  5. ↑ "Northwest Territories, Nunavut to have input in Alberta's K-12 curriculum redesign". Edmonton Journal. 2016-09-27. Retrieved 2016-11-23.
  6. ↑ McEwen, McEwen (1995). "Educational Accountability in Alberta" (PDF). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.
  7. ↑ "Diploma Examinations Program". education.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  8. ↑ "Diploma Exams: Things to Know". Calgary Herald. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  9. ↑ "Diploma Exam Weighting FAQ". education.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
  10. ↑ "About the Diploma Examinations Program". Alberta Education. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
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