Question reference: S6W-00504
- Asked by: Ross Greer, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 7 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to Education Scotland's finding that most local authorities are using the historic exams performance of schools in their moderation process for the 2021 Alternative Certification Model.
Answer
As the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland has said, it is normal to look at historical school data as part of the quality assurance process in awarding national qualifications. This is designed to help support the best outcomes for our young people.
I am clear that if a learner has demonstrated they deserve a particular grade, and this grade is robust against the national standard, that is the grade they will receive.
To provide additional assurances on this, Education Scotland has liaised with all 32 local authorities who have all confirmed that historical data has not been used to unilaterally change any assessment judgements by teachers or schools.
Once the provisional grades have been submitted to the Scottish Qualifications Authority they will not be changed because of any school’s past performance.