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Burgeoning teacher assessment identity and learning to ‘play the system’: the realities of assessment-led reform at lower secondary level in Ireland

Scully, Darina orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-6076-717X, Carroll, Mary, Clarke, Sarah and Guirke, Gráinne (2025) Burgeoning teacher assessment identity and learning to ‘play the system’: the realities of assessment-led reform at lower secondary level in Ireland. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 32 (1). pp. 77-97. ISSN 1465-329X

Abstract
In recent years, the lower secondary school curriculum in the Republic of Ireland has been subject to assessment-led reform, many elements of which, such as the increased focus on continuous school-based assessment, reflect those of similar initiatives introduced in other countries. This paper explores the extent to which this reformed approach is succeeding in meeting its aims, drawing on survey data from a representative sample (n = 471) of teachers who have been involved in its implementation over the past seven years. The findings suggest that the increased diversity of assessment approaches has given rise to a greater emphasis on skills, such as creativity and critical self-reflection, but concerns are raised regarding the authenticity with which these skills are being developed, and several practical and logistical difficulties associated with the new system are also noted. Implications for both local and international policy and practice are discussed.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Assessment-led reform; school-based assessment; formative assessment; lower secondary education; teacher assessment identity
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Teaching
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education
DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Policy & Practice
Research Institutes and Centres > Centre for Assessment Research, Policy and Practice in Education (CARPE)
Publisher:Routledge
Official URL:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09695...
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:31032
Deposited On:06 May 2025 10:09 by Gordon Kennedy . Last Modified 06 May 2025 10:09
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