15 December 2015
An international expert review group, the OECD, has declared that Scotland has the opportunity to be a “world leader” in developing a new approach to assessment and evaluation in schools.
Meeting pupils from Craigmount High @NicolaSturgeon launches OECD report into Scottish education. pic.twitter.com/yYjDsgt8G6
— Peter MacMahon (@petermacmahon) December 15, 2015
Earlier this year, a delegation visited Scotland, when they spoke to pupils, staff and officials to gather enough evidence to write their report.
Montserrat Gomendio, Deputy Director, OECD Directorate for Education and Skills, said:
“We applaud Scotland for having the foresight and patience to put such an ambitious reform as Curriculum for Excellence in place; we hope that our OECD review will help ensure that it will live up to its full potential and realise excellence and equity right across Scotland.”
Opportunity to lead world: Scotland's @NicolaSturgeon on our @OECDEduSkills curric review https://t.co/7138K9Uy7w @BCLSOE @BBCBreaking @tes
— Andy Hargreaves (@HargreavesBC) December 15, 2015
The OECD’s report noted a series of positive developments in Scottish education, including:
• levels of academic achievement are above international averages and distributed evenly
• Scottish schools are highly inclusive
• a clear upward trend in attainment and positive destinations
• positive attitudes in schools and among pupils
• noticeable drops in alcohol consumption and smoking among children and young people
The First Minister said:
“There is much positive praise in this report for what is being delivered for our children in Scottish schools and for the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. However, the report also highlights challenges and reinforces the Scottish Government’s determination to focus on achieving excellence and equity within our education system. I am particularly pleased that the OECD supports our decision to develop and implement a National Improvement Framework.
“We share their view that we have a great opportunity to lead the world in developing an integrated assessment and evaluation framework. I firmly believe the Framework will play an important role in driving work to close the attainment gap and continually improve Scottish education.
“While there are many successes in Scottish education, including excellent teaching, record Higher and Advanced Higher results and more than nine in ten school-leavers securing jobs, training or continued education, we need to do more to ensure that our education system delivers for every child in Scotland.
“We will now lead the work with our partners in Scottish education to take forward these recommendations for the benefit of all of Scotland’s children.”