§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received the report of the subgroup of the joint working parties' steering committee which was set up last September to review assessment in standard grade courses.
§ Mr. RifkindThe sub-group's report has been presented to me after the approval of the joint working parties steering committee. The report confirms the Government's belief that standard grade can without fundamental change lead to more relevant and effective teaching for all pupils.
The report clarifies the role to he played by teachers in assessment of standard grade courses and advises that for the most part internal assessment in day-to-day teaching may be carried out informally, using professional judgment and familiar techniques. As far as assessment for certification is concerned, the report recommends useful simplification of the present arrangements while leaving their basic structure intact, in accordance with the subgroup's remit which, inter alia, required it to have regard to the fundamental principles which underlie standard grade assessment.
128WI congratulate the sub-group-on its work. Subject to the outcome of consultations, I am sure that its proposals when implemented will lead to a substantial easing of the burden which many teachers have feared will arise from the standard grade assessment arrangements.
I have today placed copies of the report, and a leaflet summarising its arguments and conclusions, in the Libraries of both Houses. I have also authorised its circulation for consultation to a wide range of bodies representing educational interests and users of the Scottish Certificate of Education. Comments have been invited by 31 July 1986 and the Government hope that the report's recommendations will be implemented in time for the 1988 diet of examinations.