Public GSAT consultations begin

The Ministry of Education will today unveil proposals that will result in significant changes to the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The findings and recommendations of the GSAT Review Committee will also be presented at a public consultation at deCarteret College in Mandeville.

According to a release from the ministry yesterday, the scheduled consultation is among several that will be conducted in the ministry's six regions between now and the end of May.

Remains the same

With the changes, GSAT will continue to be comprised of five distinct papers administered over two days and will be a test of readiness.

However, the inclusion of a Grade Six Literacy Proficiency Test will replace the Communications Task.

The proposed changes will also include a continuous assessment component in the form of a book review done at grade five from a choice of three books, which are consistent with the revised primary curriculum.

The books will be assigned from grade four.

That element will contribute 15 per cent to the relevant GSAT Language Arts test paper.

The revised GSAT will still be used for placement until the need for more quality spaces is addressed. A policy on zoning for placement based on location and merit is also up for discussion.