FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

1.

CONCEPT OF SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT (PBS) QUESTION ANSWER

PBS is a holistic form of assessment which assesses the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains encompassing intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects. Thus PBS is in tandem with the Primary School Standard Curriculum as well as the National Education Philosophy. PBS can be used for both formative as well as summative assessment thus practising the concept of assessment for learning as well as assessment of learning. PBS assesses both academic and non-academic fields. It is planned and executed by the school with adherence to procedures set forth by the Examinations Syndicate. PBS is made up of two categories : academic and non-academic. The academic category is made up of School Assessment (PS) and Central Assessment (PP). The non-academic component is made up of Psychometric Assessment (PPsi) and Assessment of Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Activities (PAJSK).

1.1

What is PBS?

QUESTION
1.2

ANSWER
No. Teachers have already carried out PBS through Penilaian Kerja Amali (PEKA), Ujian Lisan Berasaskan Sekolah (ULBS), Pentaksiran Lisan Berasaskan Sekolah (PLBS), Perkara Asas Fardu Ain (PAFA), projects, quizzes, question and answer sessions, presentations and others. PBS began in Year One in 2011 and Form One in 2012.

Is PBS new?

1.3

When was the improved PBS implemented?

What are the components of PBS?

1.4

PBS is made up of two categories : academic and non-academic. The academic category is made up of School Assessment (PS) and Central Assessment (PP). The non-academic component is made up of Psychometric Assessment (PPsi) and Assessment of Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Activities (PAJSK). MOE has introduced new features including the implementation of Standard Referenced Assessment, Assessment of Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Activities (PAJSK), Psychometric Assessment (PPsi) and recording of pupils achievements in the PBS Management System (SPPBS). The objective of PBS is to keep track of each pupils progress, growth and achievement.

1.5

What new features are introduced in PBS?

2.

SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (PS) QUESTION ANSWER

Assessment that is planned, formulated, administered, scored, recorded and reported by teachers in the school. Assessment is continuously carried out by teachers during the teaching and learning process. PS is carried out in the form of formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment is carried out during the process of teaching and learning. On the other hand summative assessment is carried out at the end of a learning unit, term, month or year. PS functions as both assessment for learning and assessment of learning.

2.1

What is School Assessment (PS)?

2.2

What is Standard Referenced Assessment?

Standard Referenced Assessment reports pupils achievement with reference to the statements of standard for each subject. The statements of standard is determined according to the pupils achievement as intended in the curriculum. Standard Referenced Assessment is introduced to track the growth and development of each pupil through his/her performance.

QUESTION
2.3 What are the advantages Referenced Assessment? of Standard

ANSWER
Standard Referenced Assessment reports pupils performance or achievement. Pupils are assessed fairly and justifiably based on an individuals capability, ability, talent, skill and potential without comparing the individual with others.

2.4

What is the Document of Performance Standard Document of Performance Standard contains guidelines for assessment and reports pupils (DSP)? achievements at different stages of learning as intended in the curriculum. This document includes bands, statements of standard, descriptors and evidence. What is the meaning of bands, statements of Bands report pupils achievement : Band 6 the highest and Band 1 the lowest. standard and descriptor? Statements of Standard refers to pupils achievement in general. Descriptors are observable acts that can be measured to determine pupils achievement along the learning curve.

2.5

2.6

When is DSP used?

DSP is used to assess pupils during the teaching and learning process. However, teachers must refer to the curriculum document to ensure the content and intended learning outcomes are being addressed. DSP is formulated as a guidance for teachers to carry out PS in tandem with Standard Referenced Assessment.
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2.7

What is the purpose of the DSP?

2.8

Should instruments for PS be standardised?

Instruments should not be standardised as teachers will need to provide a variey of instruments best suited for their pupils. Performance Standard is a set of statements detailing the achievement and mastery of an individual within a certain discipline, in a specific period of study based on an identified benchmark. Teachers refer to the Performance Standard to ensure assessment activities are conducted fairly and in a focused manner.

2.9

What is Performance Standard?

2.10

Must a pupil master each descriptor in order to Yes, pupils must master all descriptors in order to achieve a particular band? achieve a particular band. Mastery of each descriptor provides proof that the pupil has mastered all the content standard/learning outcome for the particular band. Can a pupil be assessed for a higher band even Yes, pupils can be assessed for a higher band even though he/she have not mastered all the descriptors though he/she have not mastered all the descriptors in in a previous band? the previous band because teachers teach according to the Standard Curriculum/Syllabus and not the DSP. However, pupils must provide evidence be it verbally or written to show that he/she has mastered the descriptors in the previous band.

2.11

2.12

Must schools continue to carry out (Penilaian Kerja Amali Sains (PEKA), Penilaian Lisan Berasaskan PEKA and PLBS/ULBS must be carried out because they Sekolah/Ujian Lisan Berasaskan Sekolah are components of PS. However, coursework for KHB (PLBS/ULBS) and Kemahiran Hidup Bersepadu need not be carried out in Form 1 starting 2012.
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(KHB) coursework in Form 1?

QUESTION
2.13 Can LINUS be used in PBS?

ANSWER
No. LINUS is a program aimed at identifying pupils who fail to master the skills of reading, writing and arithmetic (3Rs). On the other hand PBS is a system and in PS (which is a component of PBS) pupils are assessed based on the Performance Standard for the particular subject.

2.14

Is it necessary to conduct monthly exams and end of year exams?

It depends on the purpose of the exams. If the purpose is to rank pupils, the scope of the exam should cover both context and contructs ( knowledge and skills measured) for the subject. Should the School PBS Committee choose to rank pupils according to bands, the exam questions or tasks must be based on evidence in the Performance Standards.

2.15

Are pupils who have not mastered a particular skill/knowledge in PS reassessed?

Pupils must be reassessed until they achieve the knowledge or skill necessary in PS.

2.16

Can a GSTT become an appraisor?

Yes, because GSTT have been appointed to conduct teaching and learning in the classroom. Furthermore assessment must be carried out by the teacher teaching the subject.
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3.

CENTRAL ASSESSMENT (PP) QUESTION ANSWER

PP is an assessment conducted in school. However assessment procedures, instruments , tasks, guidelines, scoring guide, grading and reporting is done by LP. There are 2 types of tasks : long term task and short term task. Long term task is carried out within 3 to 4 weeks and short term task is carried out within 2 weeks. PP for primary schools is conducted at Level 2. PP for secondary schools is conducted in Forms 2 and 3. Assignments may be carried out in groups but scores must be awarded individually.

3.1

What is Central Assessment (PP)?

3.2

What are the types of tasks assigned in PP?

3.3

When is PP carried out?

3.4

Can PP be carried out in groups?

4.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULUM (PAJSK) QUESTION ANSWER

PAJSK administers, records and reports pupils involvement in sports, curricular and extra-curricular activities. Standard Kecergasan Fizikal Kebangsaan (SEGAK) dan Body Mass Index (BMI) is carried out to assess and report pupils physical activities. In primary schools, PAJSK is carried out in Year 4 beginning 2014, Year 5 beginning 2015 and Year 6 beginning in 2016. In secondary schools, PAJSK is carried out in Form 1 beginning 2012, Form 2 beginning 2013,Form 3 beginning 2014, Form 4 beginning 2015 and Form 5 beginning 2016.

4.1

What is Assessment of Physical, Sports and Cocurricular Activities (PAJSK)?

4.2

When is PAJSK carried out in PBS?

5.

PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT (PPSI)? SOALAN MAKLUMBALAS

PPsi is carried out in schools to measure pupils innate and acquired abilities, thinking skills, problemsolving skills, career preferences, talent, attitude and personality. PPsi is neither based on the learning process nor the curriculum. In primary schools, PPsi is carried out in Year 4 beginning 2014 and Year 6 beginning 2016. In secondary schools, PPsi is carried out in Form 1 beginning 2012, ,Form 3 beginning 2014, Form 4 beginning 2015 and Form 5 beginning 2016.

5.1

What is Psychometric Assessment (PPsi)?

5.2

When is Psychometric Assessment (PPsi) carried out?

5.3

What is the relationship between PPsi and PS?

Information obtained from PPsi can help teachers to adapt and adopt teaching methodologies and develop a variety of assessment tools most appropriate to their pupils needs.

OPERATION
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SOALAN
6.1 How is PBS carried out in schools?

MAKLUMBALAS
PBS should be carried out by referring to the Panduan Pengurusan PBS and related circulars concerning PBS issued by the Examinations Syndicate.

6.2 6.3

What is the composition of the PBS Committee in In under enrolled schools, a teacher may have to hold under enrolled schools? more than one portfolio in the committee. Is it necessary for a pupil who has just returned from It is not necessary because PS is carried out during a prolonged residence overseas/absence from the process of teaching and learning. school be reassessed for PS which he/she has missed? Is it necessary for a pupil who has just returned from PP is carried out within a specific time-frame as a prolonged residence overseas/absence from stipulated by the Examinations Syndicate. PP cannot school be reassessed for PP which he/she has be carried out at other times outside the set duration. missed? Can a pupil be exempted from PBS? Exemption is not an issue as assessment is carried out at the pupils level of achievement/proficiency during the process of teaching and learning.

6.4

6.5

6.6

How is PBS carried out for pupils with special Pupils with Special Needs are assessed and needs? evaluated using a special Performance Standard with appropriate mechanisms. Administrators must provide special services,equipment or customised software for assessment as necessary.

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QUESTION
6.7

ANSWER

How reliable are assessment results conducted by Teachers are the most appropriate person to assess their own pupils because they : teachers?

can continuously monitor their pupils development can provide constructive feedback to help pupils improve their performance better understand the context and environment most conducive for pupils development appraise and provide feedback based on the Performance Standards Teachers integrity should not be doubted. Credibility is ensured through mentoring, coordination, monitoring and trekking.

MANAGEMENT OF PUPILS EVIDENCE

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QUESTION
7.1 What is evidence?

ANSWER
Evidence can be divided into two : pupils and materials. Pupils are considered the best evidence for some skills because they can display an acquired ability either through action or orally. Material evidence refers to processes or products such as photos, graphics, artifacts, reports etc. produced by pupils in carrying out set tasks.

7.2 7.3

Where is the evidence stored? What is Fail Perkembangan Murid?

Material evidence must be kept in Fail Perkembangan Murid (FPM) and Fail Showcase (FS). Fail Perkembangan Murid (FPM) stores all evidence of a pupils achievement and development in the learning process. There should be a Fail Perkembangan Murid (FPM) for every pupil. It is used to keep evidence for all subjects he/she takes. All evidence must be recorded in a form for Fail Perkembangan Murid (FPM). Fail Perkembangan Murid (FPM) stores the latest evidence for each descriptor. Previous evidence are returned to their owners.

QUESTION
7.4

ANSWER
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Should evidence in text books and activity books be It is not necessary. Teachers need only record pupils

copied and kept in the FPM? 7.5 Who is responsible for updating the FPM?

achievement in the form for FPM and also the SPPBS Teachers teaching each subject are responsible for updating the evidence for PS. Class/Form teachers are responsible for updating evidence in PAJSK. No, it is not confidential. FPM can be assessed by interested parties to track pupils accomplishment of knowledge and skill. The pupils themselves are evidence for listening and speaking skills. They should be able to interact and respond appropriately in different situations. Fail Showcase (FS) stores the best evidence for all descriptorsfor all subjects. FS functions as a benchmark for a particular standard of achievement or proficiency. There should be an FS for each Year/Form or class.

7.6

Is the FPM classified as confidential?

7.7

What is the evidence for Listening and Speaking skills?

7.8

What is Fail Showcase (FS)?

7.9

Can the FS be prepared at the end of the school FS must be prepared at the beginning of the year and year? updated throughout the year because teaching, learning and assessment is a continuous effort. FS must be updated throughout the shool year.

SOALAN
7.10 When can the PS evidence be destroyed?

MAKLUMBALAS
All evidence should be returned to their owners (pupils) after it has been recorded in the PBS
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Management System : SPPBS. All evidence that is not claimed by their owners should be destroyed after 2 weeks of recording in the SPPBS.

QUALITY ASSURANCE QUESTION ANSWER

Quality Assurance is carried out to ensure PBS is of
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8.1

What is meant by quality assurance?

the highest quality and is carried out according to the guidelines provided.Stringent measures must be undertaken by all concerned to ensure quality is assured in all aspects and at each stage of the assessment. Only thus can the assessment produce information that is accurate and reflects the true ability of the pupils assessed. Quality Assurance is achieved through mentoring, coordination, monitoring and trekking 8.2 What is mentoring? . Mentoring is the process of assisting, facilitating and guiding teachers to carry out PBS according to the correct procedures and principles of PBS. Mentoring also ensures that teachers knowledge and understanding of PBS is constantly enhanced and updated. Internal mentoring is carried out by Senior Teachers/ Heads of Departments, Master Trainers, Guru Cemerlang and Principals or Head Teachers. External mentoring is carried out by officers from the Examinations Syndicate/State Education Departments and District Education Office.

QUESTION
8.3 What is monitoring?

ANSWER
Monitoring is the process of ensuring that the correct procedures as outlined by the Examinations Syndicate have been observed in carrying out PBS.
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Frequency of monitoring depends on the PBS Committee Internal monitoring is carried out by Senior Teachers/ Heads of Departments, Master Trainers, Guru Cemerlang and Principals or Head Teachers. External monitoring is carried out by officers from the Examinations Syndicate/State Education Departments District Education Office or other Divisions in the Ministry of Education (MOE). 8.4 What is coordination? Coordination ensures that the score awarded for tasks/assignments is not only fair but also reliable and valid. Coordination is necessary to ensure the reliability and credibility of the assessment outcome. Internal Coordination is carried out by Senior Teachers/ Heads of Departments, Master Trainers, Guru Cemerlang and Principals or Head Teachers. External Coordination is carried out by officers from the Examinations Syndicate/State Education Departments and District Education Office.

SOALAN
8.5 What is trekking?

MAKLUMBALAS
Trekking is the process of evaluating assessment instruments used to carry out PBS in order to: Identify the strength, practicality of said instruments
1.

weaknesses
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and

Evaluate reliability and validity of said instruments 3. Suggest improvements to the instruments
2.

Trekking is carried out by officers from the Examinations Syndicate or others appointed by the Examinations Syndicate. 8.6 Are schools allowed to carry out cross monitoring Schools may conduct cross monitoring with with neighbouring schools to benefit of both parties? neighbouring schools as such cooperation will enhance the effectiveness of PBS. Are schools allowed to carry out cross coordination Schools may do so to ensure the appropriateness of with neighbouring schools to benefit of both parties? the assessment instruments /tasks/assignments used during the process of teaching, learning and assessment.

8.7

SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SPPBS) QUESTION ANSWER

The PBS Management System (SPPBS) is an
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9.1

What is SPPBS?

application developed by MOE to record and store information on pupils achievement in PBS. SPPBS can generate reports of pupils achievement. 9.2 When can teachers record pupils achievement in PS PS data can be recorded at any time. and PAJSK in the SPPBS? Data entry into PAJSK will be determined by the Examinations Syndicate. How is data of pupils who transfer to a new school The transferring pupils particulars must first be executed? cancelled in the APDM by the teacher from the original school. Once the new school registers the pupil into APDM the previous data can be retrieved. How do schools without access to the internet For schools without access to the internet the SPPBS record pupils data in the SPPBS? stand alone version can be used. The stand alone CD can be obtained from State Education Departments and District Education Departments. Who issues a report on pupils achievements? Any teacher who teaches a particular subject can report pupils progress by generating reports through SPPBS.

9.3

9.4

9.5

QUESTION
9.6 Can pupils achievement be accessed whenever needed?

ANSWER
Yes, progress reports can be obtained from teachers who teach the subject.

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9.7

How can parents obtain feedback about their A descriptive and formative report can be generated via the SPPBS whenever needed. The report contains childrens achievement? information about pupils achievement at the particular stage.

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