The Framework for Junior Cycle (p.34-5) hold some key messages around assessment;
The most significant change in the new Junior Cycle is in the area of assessment.
- All assessment [….], should have as its primary purpose, the support of student learning.
- Formative assessment, complemented by summative assessment, will be a key feature of the new Junior Cycle.
- There will be a range of assessment approaches to complement learning:
- Ongoing assessments, including routine teacher-designed tasks and tests
- One or two Classroom-Based Assessment tasks in short courses
Equally, p.41,42,45 of the Framework for Junior Cycle hold key details regarding reporting;
The approach to reporting will benefit students by charting the progress they are making and actively involve them and their parents/guardians in reflection on and discussion of learning progress.
- It will value teacher judgement and link back clearly to learning, teaching and formative feedback in classrooms.
- [Learning in…] short courses will be assessed by the students’ teachers and reported on to students and parents/guardians during junior cycle and in the JCPA