Principals Advocate for Shift in Assessment Practices Beyond 2027

Principals Advocate for Permanent NCEA Literacy and Numeracy option

A meaningful number of secondary school principals are pushing for the continuation of an alternative assessment pathway for NCEA literacy and numeracy requirements beyond its current 2027 expiry date. The Secondary Principals Association reports that many members believe this transitional arrangement, which allows students to meet standards through internal assessment rather than online tests, should become a permanent fixture in the education system.

The urgency behind this call is underscored by recent exam results. In May,approximately 60 percent of students in lower-income communities failed the online reading,writing,and mathematics tests,also known as common assessment activities (CAAs). this challenging outcome has highlighted the limitations of the current online testing format for a ample portion of the student population.

Louise Anarau, President of the secondary Principals Association, explained that the alternative pathway has proven particularly beneficial for students who struggle in customary exam settings. “The year 12 learners this year, over 50 percent of them who didn’t achieve the CAAs in Year 11 have done so as year 12, more so through the alternative pathways assessment,” she stated.

Moreover, Anarau emphasized the positive impact on Māori and Pacific learners, noting that they tend to perform better through internal assessments that are less like formal exams. “We know that our Māori,Pacific learners perform better in alternative assessments to exam-like settings and the transitional arrangement allows for that,” she added,explaining that this flexibility is precisely why principals in communities with a high proportion of Māori and Pacific students,as well as those in lower-income areas,are advocating for its permanence.

The principals’ concerns extend beyond student performance, with some believing the online tests are creating an equity divide.Anarau voiced a common worry among educators, particularly those in “high-equity schools”: “I am hearing from principals, particularly in high-equity schools, a concern that there will be an increase in leavers with no qualifications.” This suggests that the current assessment methods may inadvertently disadvantage already vulnerable student groups, possibly leading to more school leavers without essential qualifications.

How might the narrowed curriculum resulting from high-stakes testing impact students’ growth of skills beyond those directly assessed?

The Growing Dissatisfaction with Current Assessment Models

Principals across the nation are increasingly vocal about the need for a basic shift in how student learning is assessed, particularly looking beyond the current standardized testing landscape towards 2027 and beyond.This isn’t simply a call for “less testing,” but a demand for better assessment – methods that more accurately reflect student understanding, promote deeper learning, and support equitable outcomes. The core issue revolves around the limitations of high-stakes standardized tests in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities and the pressures they place on curriculum and instruction. Concerns about test validity, reliability, and cultural bias are fueling this movement.

Key Drivers Behind the Call for Change: A Principal’s Perspective

Several interconnected factors are driving this push for assessment reform. Principals are on the front lines, witnessing the direct impact of current practices.

narrowed Curriculum: The emphasis on tested subjects frequently enough leads to a reduction in time and resources allocated to subjects like arts, music, social studies, and physical education. This impacts well-rounded student development.

teaching to the Test: Pressure to raise scores can incentivize teachers to focus on rote memorization and test-taking strategies rather than fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Increased Student Stress & Anxiety: High-stakes testing contributes to significant stress and anxiety among students, potentially hindering their performance and overall well-being.

Equity Concerns: Standardized tests often reflect systemic inequities, disadvantaging students from marginalized communities and perpetuating achievement gaps.

limited Diagnostic Value: Traditional tests provide a snapshot of performance at a single point in time, offering limited insight into students’ learning processes and areas for improvement. Formative assessment data is often more valuable for instructional adjustments.

Emerging Assessment Approaches: What Principals are Championing

Principals aren’t just identifying problems; they’re actively advocating for and piloting choice assessment approaches. These include:

Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs): Students demonstrate their understanding through real-world tasks, projects, and presentations. This allows for a more authentic evaluation of skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Portfolio Assessments: Collections of student work over time showcase growth, progress, and mastery of learning objectives.Portfolios offer a holistic view of student achievement.

Competency-Based Assessment: Focuses on demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge, rather than earning a numerical score. Students progress when they demonstrate competence,regardless of time spent.

Formative Assessment Systems: Ongoing assessment for learning, providing teachers with real-time data to adjust instruction and support student needs. Examples include exit tickets, speedy quizzes, and classroom discussions.

Multiple measures: Utilizing a combination of assessment types – including standardized tests, PBAs, portfolios, and classroom-based assessments – to create a more extensive picture of student learning.

The Role of Technology in Modernizing Assessment

Educational technology is playing a crucial role in enabling and scaling these new assessment approaches.

Digital Portfolios: Platforms like Google Sites or Seesaw allow students to easily curate and share their work.

Learning Management Systems (LMS): LMS platforms (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) facilitate formative assessment through quizzes, polls, and discussion forums.

Adaptive Testing: Technology can personalize the testing experience, adjusting the difficulty level based on student performance.

Data Analytics: Tools that analyze assessment data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Assessment data analysis is becoming a key skill for educators.

Addressing Challenges to Implementation: A Practical Guide for Schools

Transitioning to new assessment practices isn’t without its challenges.Principals are proactively addressing these hurdles:

1. Professional Development: Investing in ongoing professional development for teachers to build their capacity in designing, implementing, and scoring alternative assessments.
2. Resource Allocation: Providing teachers with the time, tools, and resources they need to effectively implement new assessment strategies.
3. Stakeholder Communication: Clearly communicating the rationale for assessment changes to parents, students, and the community.
4. Alignment with Standards: Ensuring that alternative assessments are aligned with state and national learning standards.
5. Developing Common Rubrics: Creating clear and consistent rubrics for evaluating student work, ensuring fairness and reliability.

Case Study: High Tech High – A Pioneer in Performance-Based Assessment

High Tech High, a network of charter schools in California, is a well-known example of a school system that has successfully implemented performance-based assessment. Students demonstrate their learning through complex projects that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.This model emphasizes depth of understanding and critical thinking over rote memorization.Their success demonstrates the viability of moving beyond traditional testing.

The Future of Assessment: Beyond 2027 and Beyond

the conversation around assessment is evolving rapidly. Principals are leading the charge towards a future where assessment is more authentic, equitable, and focused on supporting student learning. The goal is to create a system that empowers students