Monitoring, assessment, recording, reporting and accountability

There is virtually universal agreement among writers and policy makers that sound assessment lies at the very heart of effective teaching and learning. Since the advent of National Curricula in the United Kingdom, the role and importance of assessment and associated procedures have been continually highlighted. Yet, it is sometimes viewed as a source of concern for physical education teachers, and inspections reveal that it is a relatively weak feature of physical education provision (eg Clay, 1997; OHMCI, 1998), and one needing development and support. This chapter examines the role of assessment procedures in promoting pupils' learning in physical education, and offers approaches to assessing, recording and reporting pupil achievement that are simple, efficient and workable. Objectives

By the end of this chapter you should:

understand the nature and importance of monitoring, assessment, recording, reporting and accountability (MARRA), and especially ARR;

be familiar with the key terms used in assessment;

be able to draw upon a range of simple, effective strategies to assess pupils' learning and achievement.