Drawing upon the expertise of an international panel, this book delves into the essence of standard setting, examining its current state and envisioning its potential future. Exploring a diverse array of jurisdictions, including Chile, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Queensland, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States, alongside insightful critiques from additional domain experts, the editors challenge the prevailing notion of a singular superior approach to national examinations. Instead, they advocate for educators and policymakers to embrace the multitude of perspectives presented, urging careful consideration of the intricate issues raised therein.

Discovering the Authors: A Glimpse into Their Expertise

Insights from respected authors as they shed light on the complexities of standard setting:
Jo-Anne Baird

Currently serves as the Director of the Department of Education at Oxford University and is affiliated with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA).

Tina Isaacs

She holds the title of Honorary Associate Professor in Educational Assessment at the UCL Institute of Education.

Dennis Opposs

Assumes the role of Standards Chair at the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Lena Gray

Serves as the Director of Research at the Centre for Education Research and Practice at AQA, England’s largest GCSE and A-level exam board.

Delving into the Book’s Contents: An In-depth Overview

Measures and Meanings About Standard Setting

Diverse reviews on national examination standards in this collection:

PART ONE: Researching National Examination Standards

1 The Standard Setting Project: Assessment paradigms – Jo-Anne Baird and Dennis Opposs

2 Researching national examination standards: Our methods – Lena Gray

3 Researching national examination standards as an insider – Lena Gray

4 What is standard setting? – Dennis Opposs and

Kristine Gorgen

PART TWO: Case Studies

CHILE Alejandra Osses and María Leonor Varas, with María Teresa Flórez Petour and Francisco Javier Gil Llambías

ENGLAND Rachel Taylor and Dennis Opposs, with Mary Richardson and Peter Tymms

FRANCE Roger-François Gauthier, with Jean-Pierre Jeantheau and Sandra Johnson

GEORGIA Natia Andguladze and Iwa Mindadze, with Steven Bakker and Gordon Stobart

IRELAND Hugh McManus, with Áine Hyland and Michael O’Leary

QUEENSLAND Matthew Campbell, with Graham S. Maxwell and Joshua McGrane

SOUTH AFRICA Emmanuel Sibanda, with Sarah Howie and Anil Kanjee

SWEDEN Christina Wikström and A. Lind Pantzare, with Gudrun Erickson and Jan-Eric Gustafsson

UNITED STATES Deanna L. Morgan, with Eva L. Baker and Betsy Brown Ruzzi

PART THREE: Differing Measures and Meanings

1 The meaning of national examination standards – Jo-Anne Baird

2 Culture, context and controversy in setting national examination standards – Tina Isaacs and Kristine Gorgen

3 Setting standards in national examinations: what we have learnt – Tina Isaacs