Computer Adaptive Testing Enters the Transfer Debate in Northern Ireland

There has been much debate around the transfer arrangements to post primary education in Northern Ireland. With the demise of the 11 plus transfer test, there is still debate on what will replace it. First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he favoured computer adaptive testing (CAT), which looks at a child’s ability over a longer time period.

The CAT method has been discussed in the past by those in favour of selection. In CAT exams the questions become more or less difficult according to how well each batch of questions is answered. Test scores over a number of years could then be used by post-primary schools to select pupils.

Read the full news article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8542018.stm