Examination Standards : How measures and meanings differ around the world

This volume, edited by a team of academics and 'insider' researchers, is the outcome of a powerful coming together, from across the globe, of authorities in the field of standard setting.

Discussions on what standard setting is and should be; differing assessment paradigms; appropriate research methods; and culture, context and controversy in setting national examination standards, are contextualized by frank and illuminating case studies.

These accounts are offered from a representative selection of jurisdictions (Chile, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Queensland, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States), and each is accompanied by a pair of lively critical commentaries from other experts in this domain.

Together, the editors challenge the notion that there is a single superior way of thinking about national examinations, and instead encourage educators and policymakers to engage with the multiple perspectives offered here, and to consider carefully the complex issues raised.