Implementation of assessment reform: insights from minority language provision

The introduction of assessment orientated policy in 2016 marks a
significant change in Scottish education as it will establish standardised
national testing. Teachers in Gaelic
medium education are well placed to offer insights as they have had
considerable autonomy regarding assessment and this paper is the first
to consider the impact of this specific reform in Scotland. Three linked
themes emerged from thematic analysis based on focus group data.
Participants were keen to discuss the climate regarding Gaelic medium
education linking concerns with the ongoing reform of assessment policy.
Policy and practice implications are discussed as well as the anticipated
impact the assessments may have on pupils and teaching staff. This
paper contributes to the understanding regarding the role of
standardised tests in education and feeds into an understanding of policy
development through the lens of immersion education highlighting
uncertainties held by teachers when reform is underway.