link-up 2006 session 2

Link-up 2006Session 2

What QCAR assesses

The role of QCAR

• Specify what learning is essential

• Determine standards for learning

• Support assessment in schools

• Improve consistency of teacher judgment

• Establish a reporting framework

Provides products that schools can use in:

• aligning what is taught, assessed and

reported

• building assessment capability

• supporting student learning

QCAR Framework

Alignment

Alignment refers to how well the elements of curriculum assessment and reporting work

together to promote improved student learning

Alignment

• In QCAR, four organisers bring the key elements together:– All KLAs– All junctures– Everyday assessment– Statewide assessment

We assess what we value

• Solving problems• Thinking critically• Applying new skills and techniques• Having the personal skills needed to

communicate and live alongside others• Being able to imagine and assess alternative

futures(Brown and Lander, 2004)

Queensland Essential Learnings identify knowledge, skills, attributes and capabilities in three broad categories:

• Creative and successful knowledge workers• Fully participating citizens in social and political

life• Identity and self-management as individuals.

They specify what is important for all students to know and do by the end of Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

4 Organisers

• Knowing and Understanding

• Inquiring

• Responding

• Reflecting

Captures the disciplinary knowledges within the key learning areas

Describes ways of working through:

• inquiring

• responding

• reflecting

Statement that: describes the focus for

learning describes what students are

expected to know and be able to do at specified junctures

Alignment

Four organisers of the Essential Learnings and Standards

are directly aligned with

four criteria for the Statewide Assessment

Standards are the unifying device for the Essential Learnings and Assessment

Standards

Standards help teachers to:

• inform students about the desirable features of a performance

• match evidence in student work to

standards descriptors.

QCAR Assessment

Assessment that:• focuses on supporting learning rather than

sorting and selecting• reflects models of learning• is aligned with curriculum intent• is authentic and engaging for students• Is rigorous and challenging• is inclusive and fair• is valid and reliable

We assess what we value.

QCAR AssessmentKnowing and Understanding:• The disciplinary knowledge within the key learning areas

– Facts– Procedures– Concepts– Metacognition

Ways of Working:• Inquiring • Responding• Reflecting

QCAR Assessment

• Authentic

• Performance based

• Connected with the real world

• Requiring significant student time

Essential Learnings•Knowing and understanding•Inquiring •Responding•Reflecting

AssessmentAssessment

•Knowing and understanding•Inquiring •Responding•Reflecting

AssessmentKnowing and understanding•Inquiring •Responding•Reflecting

Essentials Essentials LearningsLearnings

•Knowing and understanding•Inquiring •Responding•Reflecting

Pedagogy

QCAR contacts

Website: www.qsa.qld.edu.au/qcar

Email: QCARadmin@qsa.qld.edu.au