Assessments

How is the IAB Student Profile ascertained?

The extent to which students develop the IAB Student Profile is ascertained using formative and summative assessments throughout grades 10, 11, and 12 (and eventually K–12). Assessments are designed based on: (a) taxonomy of IAB outcomes spelled out in the Profiling Schema, and (b) well-defined item specifications. Some assessments are ERC-designed, others are teacher-designed. ERC assessments are made up of items designed by ERC experts. A variety of items is designed in each discipline, and made available to participating schools through the IAB electronic assessment platform (e-platform).

A teacher may also design, on her/his own, formative and summative assessments to ascertain their own students’ profiles, following IAB guidelines. Special training sessions will be conducted to this end. At some point, participating teachers will also be asked to contribute items to the IAB e-platform.
 
Assessments are designed at two levels in each discipline: basic and advanced. The basic level is set at the basic threshold for meaningful learning in a given field at a given grade level. The advanced level is set at the mastery threshold. A student may be asked to sit for school assessment at either level throughout grades 10, 11 and 12.

Is there an IAB exit exam?

In addition to formative and summative assessments mentioned above, participating students are required to take a comprehensive exit exam by the end of grade 12. The exam covers IAB outcomes for grades 10, 11 and 12, in all fields (science, mathematics, social studies, languages, and at least one auxiliary field).

A student may choose to be examined in each field at one of two levels: basic or advanced. Student choice in the latter case depends on the prospective university major. A separate test is given for each discipline in the various fields. However, all tests focus on cross-disciplinary aspects, especially on generic conceptions and habits of mind that are required for meaningful understanding and productive deployment of the big picture within and across disciplines. Special attention is devoted to generic habits of mind that are critical for constructive interaction with others, and for achieving success in higher education and modern life.

Unlike the other formative and summative assessments that are administered at convenient times determined by every teacher, the IAB exit exam is offered at the same time to all participating students, twice annually: in May/June and December/January. A student may sit, as often as s/he wishes, for either or both of the two sessions. Results reported in the IAB diploma pertain to the last session that the student attends.