NCEA’s tests are based on
sets of standards for what students must learn and demonstrate
in order to validate their learning journey for grades K-12.These
standards are learning outcomes and objectives that states and
provinces have identified as minimum essential learnings or
learning dimensions. Like schools, standards are never stagnant;
they are constantly updated to reflect global influences and
needs. In recognition of this dynamic environment, NCEA updates
its database of standards annually.
Traditionally, tests are administered once a
year and in one format - multiple choice. The disadvatages
of this approach are:
- End of year, semester, or term test results do not provide
adequate feedback in order to address the specific needs
of the individual.
- Multiple choice exams do not provide a comprehensive evaluation
as they do not take into consideration students various
learning styles.
NCEA's approach offers distinct
advantages to traditional assessment:
- NCEA's tests facilitate individualized learning and achievment
thus avoiding the pitfalls of social promotion and lack
of accountability.
- Frequent assessment of outcomes provides the educator
with the timely feedback necessary to ensure student success.
A student may demonstrate learning
in number operations in Mathematics for the specified grade
level and fail the same level’s essential learning in
problem-solving / data analysis. In such case, an educator
may set goals with the student to maintain the former and
to improve the latter. No student will be left behind because
he or she did not demonstrate the essential learning for the
specified level at the specified date and time.
NCEA as an organization also
adheres to the belief that process and product are important
criteria for demonstrating learning and achievement. Tests
ensure that both areas are integral part of marking and evaluation.
NCEA’s standards may be
the perfect fit in certain states and provinces and prove
to be a poor fit in other jurisdictions. For example, the
Kindergarten social studies standard “the student will
be able to demonstrate knowledge/understanding of beliefs
and behaviors in stories from times past” may be applicable
to California schools but not to Ontario and Texas schools.
Examples of learning standards and outcomes are available.
Training in how to teach and
use the standards is provided by NCEA’s staff. Indepth
training is offered on site and may be augmented with email
and online support.
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