High-stakes assessment in England and Singapore

Conclusion

The educational traditions and experiences of the United States are more closely aligned with those of England than Singapore. Moreover, the level and type of public discourse in the United States is similar to England and noticeably different from Singapore. Yet U.S. policy makers' aspirations are more toward the attainment levels of Singapore. Given the values inherent in the United States and reflected in its education system, there can be no quick fix gained from mimicking another country. Rather, information from and about other countries should be used as part of critical self-review, taking into account one's own context. Teachers have a crucial role to play in that self-review.

As people charged with educating this country's children, teachers have a duty to ensure that they contribute to the conversations that are instrumental in setting policy. Such contributions require a high level of professionalism. The failure to achieve this level of professionalism invites, by default, a centralization of power that ultimately may harm those most at risk, the students.

1. World Bank Education web site www1.worldbank.org/education/

The World Bank Group maintains one of the most extensive education web sites. Much of the information appearing on the site was prepared by Vincent Greaney, Thomas Kellaghan, George Bethell, and Hugh McManus--individuals who have written extensively about education and assessment systems. Topics covered include the purposes and functions of examinations, malpractice and counter measures, and standards and testing. Information on the assessment systems used in many countries is also described.

2. Singapore Ministry of Education web site www.moe.gov.sg/

The Ministry Of Education directs the formulation and implementation of education policies. It has control of the development and administration of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools, and junior colleges. It also supervises private schools. This web site includes links to descriptions of the education system, subject information, and the teacher network.

3. UK Department for Education and Skills web site www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm

This website includes links to curriculum documents and current policy releases. There is a link to the TeacherNet, which has over 1,900 lesson plans, professional development links, and a discussion site.

References

Adnett, N., & Davies, P. (2001, September). Schooling reforms in England: From quasi-markets to competition? Paper presented at the Quasi-Markets and Social Services workshop, Louvain-laNeuve UCL.

BBC News. (2000a). Adults blamed for pupils' test stress. Retrieved October 13, 2002, from http:// news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/711675.stm

BBC News. (2000b). Schools challenge test results. Retrieved October 13, 2002, from http:/ news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/education/933655.stm

BBC News. (2001). Promise to assess pupils' exam stress. Retrieved October 13, 2002, from http:// news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/1323627.stm