Reflective Case Study on the Assessment and Evaluation of Secondary Mathematics - Essay Example

An evaluation refers to an intermittent process of gathering data and then analyzing it in such a way that the resulting information can be used to determine whether an individual is effectively carrying out planned objectives. Through evaluation, we will be able to anticipate results of a student's progress. On the other hand, assessment is the process of detailing knowledge, skills, attitudes and beliefs which, in turn, is often used in the educational context. I may consider that both of these techniques are the first steps in getting your child the assistance he needs to learn and develop in school.

In accordance to this, a series of educational assessments carried out on children attending schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that follows the National Curriculum was made, called as National Curriculum Assessments. The exam-based assessments (National Curriculum Tests) are often referred to as SATs (Standard, or Statutory, Assessment Tests), which was their title when they were being developed in the 1990s. One of the subjects that were given importance is the secondary mathematics.

I personally believe that there has never been a greater need to be mathematically literate but for those who comprehend mathematics, there are important enhanced opportunities and options that will open doors to dynamic futures. In the National Curriculum, schools are ensure. It is a flexible framework given to teachers by Government, so that all school children are taught in a way that is balanced and manageable, but stretching enough to challenge them and meet their diverse needs. The National Curriculum is prearranged into blocks of years called 'key stages'.

I am about to examine key stage 3 and key stage 4 performance in Mathematics. Here is an example individual pupil profile of a student in key stage 3. *Important Note: A pupil's score is only an estimate of true ability as performance on any one occasion can be affected by a number of factors such as mood, illness, external distractions etc. Here are the results of last year's (2005) National Curriculum Test Scores in Mathematics. These tables show the percentage of year 9 pupils achieving each level nationally in 2005Assessment Data The following can are some available assessment tests that can be used.

The Basic Yellis Test, which has been in use since 1992, as a measure of developed abilities providing a fair baseline from which GCSE predictions and value-added scores can be generated, also helps in assessing the pupil's performance with regards to the curriculum. Their compulsory math section has been designed with an emphasis on measuring fluency and speed as well as numerical ability. One of their most efficient ways of collecting mathematical information is the use of constructed answers rather than just multiple choice questions.

According to them, the Math score is an excellent predictor of later academic achievement. Another quick way of assessment is GOAL or Goal plc (Global Online Assessment for Learning) established to provide an innovative