This week, former chief inspector of schools in England, Mike Tomlinson, released a report proposing sweeping changes to the nation's secondary-school accountability system, which currently requires students to pass achievement tests (A-levels) if they want to continue on to university. The changes would transform the A-levels into a new diploma system over the next decade. This new system would require all students to pass tests in three "core" skills areas—literacy, mathematics, and information and communication technology—that are needed not just for higher education, but for the workplace. According to Tomlinson, "this would be the first time that a qualification gives employers the guarantee that students have these skills." In fact, the suggested changes—and the rationale behind them—are similar to those put forth by the American Diploma Project (click here for more). If passed, there will be a four-year pilot test of the program, with changes to existing exams scheduled for 2007.
"Blair defends new exam proposals," BBC news, October 18, 2004
"Key points: the Tomlinson report," Guardian, October 18, 2004