Reviews findings of four national Scottish surveys of science achievement, 1985-97, within the Assessment of Achievement Programme (AAP). Examines AAP responses to changing educational policy and the increasingly political context of national achievement monitoring. Discusses the AAP's contributions to development of standards and practical forms…

In 1996, the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum set out principles for effective science education focused on the overall goal of "scientific capability." Five aspects of capability (scientific curiosity, competence, understanding, creativity, and sensitivity) are examined from theoretical and empirical perspectives, including…

Discusses the criteria for an effective diagnotic assessment system. Describes efforts to produce a systematic, flexible assessment system for Foundation-level science. Presents a model for science practical skills, a categorized list of practical skills objectives, and some practical test items. Discusses the relationship between criteria and…

Assesses the 5-14 Development Program, national guidelines for primary-secondary curricula in Scotland. Examines program objectives for mathematics, English, and environmental studies. Describes guidelines' possible ambiguities for teachers seeking tools for instruction and academic assessment. Suggests teachers' experience be used to further…

Scottish curriculum documents in science fail to offer adequate objectives for measuring knowledge and understanding of science concepts at the primary level. The behavioral objectives of the national curriculum are incompatible with the prevailing constructivist model of learning. In constructivism, students construct their own understanding…