The Transition to Computer-Based Assessment New Approaches to Skills Assessment and Implications for Large-scale Testing

Indicators and benchmarks are key elements of evidence-based policy making and the monitoring of progress of the Lisbon process. There is a rapidly increasing interest in getting internationally comparable data at national and international levels. Recent development in education and training has increased the demand for indicators and especially in order to measure skills and competences. For some educational areas large-scale international surveys already exist, and others are under preparation. The Commission is following closely the surveys developed by the OECD, IAE and other international organisations. The Commission is also launching future surveys to collect data in different fields. In order to minimise the burden for the participating countries and the participants in international surveys the Commission is eager to develop further the possibilities of using computer-based tests and assessments when launching surveys where this can be effective and efficient, and enhance the quality of the tests, assessments and the publication of results. _________________________________________