I chose to research what assessments they are doing in Fiji, because I would like to go an volunteer there one summer. With the high poverty rate they have not all children are being educated. However this is the approach that the Fiji government is working towards.
"In September 2005, an inaugural Education Summit was held in consultation
with educational stakeholders to review a 48-page document titled the Suva
Declaration: “Building a Strategic Direction for Education in Fiji 2006 – 2015.”
The document provided recommendations of six core curriculum ‘task-force’ groups on the following primary areas: the child, the curriculum, the school, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), human resources and the community."(Koya, pg. 30). They are working towards an Outcome Based Education.
"While Outcomes Based Education (OBE) has been advocated in the West as a
means towards achieving quality educational outcomes since the 1990’s in the
USA and UK, the major policy changes in Fiji can be directly linked to FESP
which adopts the Western Australian approach to outcomes based education."(Koya, pg. 31).
Educational Assessments are changing, so hopefully one day all children will get a good education there.
As I said before I don't really like assessments, but I make sure all of my kiddos get a fair results from them. What I mean by that is, if a student looks tired that day, I will wait till the next day to assess them.
Resources:
Koya. Vaka'uta, Cresantia (Frances). THE QUEST FOR AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT:
WHAT ARE WE ASSESSING AND WHY?
An examination of the Internal Assessment Initiative at Secondary School Level
In Fiji . 2008
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts to better understand education and development from the kindergarten perspective. I understand where you are coming from when you share that you do not like assessments because they can only tell you simple measures and it does not inform you of all the other issues and realities that the child may be facing on a daily basis. It can be frustrating to use and implement assessments that you do not feel are accurate or purposeful. However, I also feel assessments are a great tool to help us as educators to understand our students. I think you have the right attitude about it because even though it can be overwhelming and frustrating we have to find the light at the end of the tunnel and know this can be used effectively and it's up to us to figure out how to make it work for us to better understand and help our students.
Ashley Richards
Dear Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about how assessments do NOT tell us anything about the THEM. You are so right about breakfast, sleep and other factors that are ESENTIAL to how they might do for a test. Thanks for that eye opener:)
Ana
Professional Thank You!
ReplyDeleteI would like to give a kind word of thank you to all my colleagues who have given a kind word, an inspiring thought, and given a great resource to me in this program.
I would like to thank you for making my class experience a challenging and enjoyable journey. I send you blessings of continued success in your program and career.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your knowledge and perspectives you've shared over the past eight weeks. I am working towards becoming a Kindergarten or First Grade teacher myself someday, as opposed to 4th grade, and I admire your honesty and experiences you have shared openly in this course. I wish you all the best in your future classes and in your career!
Ashley Richards