Exam Reconfiguration Recalibration Reconstitutionalization

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street,  Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

January XXVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As a man with a quest to hit 200 High School Credits, I am appalled, no frankly disgusted with the way your department has dumbed down the exams just to save a few pennies on the marking.

Frankly, having only Multiple Choice & Numerical Response on the tests causes students to lse focus. So far, the gracious folks at Jasper Place Composite have let me write exam challenges for Chemistry 30, Applied Mathematics 30 & Biology 30. Its borderline stupidity to make the exams harder for students & skip on the long answer. Arguably, students in these areas need to be marked subjectively not just in English & Social Studies. But in all subjects.

In real life, if they go into sciences as a career, they are at points going to have argue points professionally in long form with power point presentations, essays & dissertations. So why not give them a fair chance at passing and make all tests Multiple Choice & Long Answer, throwing out the stupid Numerical Response sections. Each test should also be based on a 50% Long & 50% Multiple Choice Division. Not the new 70% Multiple & 30% Long instituted with Social Studies & English.

Frankly, I walk into the exams and challenge them, I get 50% or higher & I get the associated Credits, as well as any applicable Grade 10 & 11 course Credits for that subject area. So it should be that I have a 50% chance at passing both sections, even tactical strength in otherwords. Not this odd idea that 70%/30% is fair. In classroom exams, they are usually 50%/50% split. So lets recreate those similar conditions in the Departmentals. Let me point out today that I was told Biology 20 students writing today had a written response section, why not balance that with the next highest level? Its called semantics David, ethics in fact. Time for you to go back to a fairer format for all Alberta High School students.

Graciously,

Rory

Source: Government Of Alberta Transcription Unit.