#BTSpeakingOut – Replacing the 11-Plus Exam

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

by Walter Edey

Various methodologies form a basis for assessment of student performance. Each has a specific context, purpose, strength, and weakness. However, educators also use them to make comparisons.

One evaluation type measures attainment. This format profiles a student’s current knowledge and skill in Mathematics and English. Several factors can, and do play a role in the performance of students who take this instrument. For example: (a) The family income and the parents’ profession. (b) A student’s exposure to books and learning spaces. And (c) Access to individual and private tutoring. Research, also confirms that in early grades, females perform better than males in certain subjects – including Math and English. This difference in gender performance has implications for the transfer of students and mixed grouping.   

Standardised scholastic aptitude – intelligence tests, measure a student’s ability and capacity to learn a particular career skill. Computer programming, engineering and statistics are
three examples.

The portfolio form of evaluation is a collaborative effort of students and teachers. Artifacts and samples of work – including projects, that visually tell stories of achievement are identified and placed in folders.

The portfolio system is popular among art and performing students, but it is not limited to them. Some Science and Math teachers use this format to document lab work.

The Barbados Common Entrance exam is an attainment test. It is subject to previously listed influences. If there is any difference in impact, between countries, it is likely to be in degree or culture.

As in Barbados, upper class parents in New York routinely send their children to private tutors. In New Jersey, when some families are purchasing homes, they consider the type of schools in the area before deciding. Those who can afford, expose their children to paid after-school and Saturday school programs, and summer programs.

One major difference is this. In New York, students who fail State tests must attend summer school.  If they fail summer school, they repeat the school year.

Additionally, proactive intervention is part of a teacher assessment. Teachers, who move a weak student from one level to another are rewarded.

It is therefore wrong for Barbadians to believe – and consider – that any change in an attainment test will stop citizens from seeking and taking action in their self – interest. Nor, as some appear to believe, that a change in the names of the older grammar schools will level the playing field. Parents everywhere will always prefer the perceived top schools for their children.

Too many red flags exist: (1) Students score zero in this exam. One student is too many. (2) A significant percentage of students lay in the two lowest quartiles. (3) Reportedly, professors at UWI Cave Hill teach remedial Math and English. (4) Private tutors complete intervention as part of a business.

Here are some short-term suggestions.

(1) Administer a scholastic aptitude assessment to a representative sample of students who took the exam over the last three years. This is not an original idea. Some of the older grammar schools administered the Moray House test. Variations between potential and attainment led to intervention for students in preparatory forms.

(3) Add portfolio assessments as part of primary school practice. Have portfolios travel with students as they transfer to secondary school.

(4) Introduce summer school as an intervention for failing students.

(5)  Add a preparatory program to schools receiving low performers. Give these classes to experienced teachers.

(5) Make intervention part of teacher assessment.

The Barbados Common Entrance exam is first an evaluation of primary school students and teachers.  Results are indicators, not transfer mechanisms.

A transfer system is a turnstile. It can only transfer what it receives. If it receives garbage, it will transfer garbage. To not first seek to raise student performance is insane. Barbados, times have changed. Children are listening and watching.

Many of them are weeping as their life choices dwindle. Replacing the 11 plus is a difficult challenge, but not impossible. Difficult issues never have quick and short answers, but hard work will reward effort, after the fact. Educators, step and do the right thing. Raise the scores, 11-Plus scores first.