In support of the curriculum reform and the recommendations detailed in a series of associated curriculum documents, schools are encouraged to put emphasis on “Assessment for Learning” as an integral part of the learning-teaching-assessment cycle. In addition, the Curriculum Development Council (CDC) has endorsed the development of a Learning Progression Framework (LPF) from Primary One to Secondary Six for the subject of English Language. Its major aim is to help teachers better understand and articulate learners’ performance, and to help teachers plan strategically how to enhance English learning and teaching.
In the process of developing and validating the LPF, tryouts were conducted in 36 primary and 30 secondary schools, including those schools that participated in the project “Developing and Using a Learning Outcomes Framework to Enhance the Learning and Teaching of English at Primary and Secondary Levels” from 2003 to 2006, to collect data about students’ ability and performance and to explore how constructive feedback could be given to motivate students and to enhance learning and teaching. The draft LPF was then refined, based on the analysis and interpretation of the school tryout data as well as the suggestions from an overseas curriculum and assessment consultant, teacher focus groups, the CDC Ad Hoc Committee on Assessment for Learning and the CDC Committee on English Language Education.
