May 00, 2016

Sr. Cecilia Sto. Tomas

Principal
St. Paul University
Gilmore Ave. cor. Aurora Blvd. Quezon City
Dear Sr. Cecilia,
Greetings!
We, the Global Resources for Assessment Curriculum and Evaluation (GRACE), is in the process of
finalizing our survey questionnaire for a UNESCO research entitled : T he Culture of Testing:
Socio-cultural drivers and the effects on youth in the Asia-Pacific region. A
research which aims to better understand the socio-cultural drivers behind the culture
of testing and their effects on the relevance of education to youth cultures and
aspirations. This focus on testing more specifically refers to the reliance and focus on
examinations utilized for transition and selection purposes, so called high-stakes
exams; however, the impact of low-stakes assessments and exams will also be
explored. This study will examine the different aspects and perceptions that shape
education policies and systems as a result of the culture of testing, examining
implications for policy making, particularly in light of the SDG 4 targets. The study also
aims to explore the effects of the culture of testing on the relevance of education to
youth cultures and aspirations.
To be able to establish the psychometric properties of the survey questionnaire, we need to conduct pilot
testing to grades 1, 7, 10, and 12 students, parents as well as advisers of the students who participated in
this study from selected schools across the country.
In this regard, we would like to inform you that your school has been selected to participate in the pilot
testing. As such, we would like to request for your permission to allow our team to conduct the pilot
testing of the survey questionnaire to your entire Grades 1, 7, 10, and 12 students and their respective
advisers The survey form for parents will be given to students and GRACE will collect the survey form
of parents from the school once completed. GRACE proctors and administrators will administer the
survey and the entire process will run for 1 hour tentatively scheduled on May 00, 2016. However, in
case that your school will not be able to take part on our suggested schedule, kindly inform us
beforehand by including your preferred schedule on the reply slip provided.
Rest assured that the name of your school will be included as a participant in this study..
Moreover, we assure you that any information we will gather will be treated with utmost confidentiality
as it will be used solely for the conduct of the validation of the survey questionnaire.

927 Phoenix building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 375 1640 loc. 227 / 376 4074

For more information about the pilot testing, feel free to reach Mr. Alejandro Ibanez, Assistant Director
of GRACE, via landline 375-1640 loc. 227, 376-4074 or through his email alejandro@grace.com.ph /
aibanez.grace@gmail.com
We hope for your favorable response.
Sincerely yours,
Pilar Fatima Sibal Balbin
President, GRACE

REPLY SLIP
Pilot Testing for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (ARC)
Please email to mjpangan.grace@gmail.com
on or before May 00, 2016
To whom it may concern:
I have read this letter and have learned about the pilot testing.
Please check one:
[ ] Our school will take part in the pilot testing on the said date.
[ ] Our school will take part in the pilot testing. However, we prefer to take it on ___________
____________________ because _____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] Our school will not take part in the pilot testing because _____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT DETAILS
(Kindly fill up the information needed.)
School: St. Paul University
Address: Gilmore Ave. cor. Aurora Blvd. Quezon City
Contact Person:
Telephone Number/s:
Email Address:

927 Phoenix building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 375 1640 loc. 227 / 376 4074

927 Phoenix building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 375 1640 loc. 227 / 376 4074