ABSTRACT
In the previous chapters, the South African system has been described in terms what is being undertaken in the system. But standard settings procedures have a long tradition, is a necessary task and is consequential with regard to the resulting categorisations. Continuous improvement is required when undertaking standard setting and evaluating the quality of the resulting judgements. Insights from classical test theory (CTT) and modern test theory can be drawn upon. The development of item response theory (IRT) took place in the reaction to the perceived weaknesses of CTT. In this chapter, IRT is introduced as well as a number of standard setting methods described in order to put forward possible suggestions for inclusion when thinking of the South African examination system.
