(Jamaica Observer) The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is developing a Primary Exit Examination, Professor of Research, Measurement and Evaluation at the University of the West Indies’ School of Education, Dr Stafford Griffith, has disclosed.
Professor Griffith said the exam will focus on pupils in primary schools in the region, acquiring the skills which will enable them to make a “proper” transition to secondary education.
He said the move is in response to multiple requests from CXC member countries, and is guided by a study in which he served as a lead consultant.
Headquartered in Barbados, CXC was established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories.
The CXC’s objectives are to provide regionally and internationally recognised secondary school leaving examinations, relevant to the needs of the region; assist in Common Entrance and other types of examinations; produce teaching materials and train teachers to use the CXC syllabi; and advise regional governments on education matters.
The council administers a number of courses and examinations at the secondary, post secondary levels, and vocational levels. Professor Griffith advised that the council has expanded its use of technology and social media, “as a way of staying connected with the CXC community, and keeping that community connected”.
“It has also initiated a number of administrative reforms, which will make its work increasingly more relevant to the changing needs of the Caribbean, while stimulating efficiency gains in its operations. This will, ultimately, accrue to the benefit of the Caribbean community,” he added.