Background

In conjunction with the national curricula for compulsory schools, Lpo 94, and upper-secondary schools, Lpf 94, new course syllabi and time plans, a new grading system and a new national test system were implemented. The test system for compulsory schools includes both diagnostic materials and course tests in several subjects. For upper-secondary schools, course tests are developed. The government has commissioned the Swedish National Agency for Education to be responsible for developing the national tests in cooperation with universities and university colleges. Below is an outline of the national tests.

Purpose

There are several reasons for requiring tests. Student achievements should be assessed in uniform manner, regardless of school, material and teaching method. The tests can also serve as a basis for a personal development dialogue between teacher-guardian(s)-student as well as a support for the teacher in grading. This website features an outline of what the student encounters in the different materials and tests..

* As of spring 2012 the test in form 5 will be replaced by a test in form 6.

Overview of the national tests in Swedish and Swedish as a second language.
 

New system 2011

In autumn 2011 a new system for both compulsory schools and upper-secondary schools will be released and it will include new syllabi and a new grading system. This will affect the national tests. For example the test in form 5 will be replaced by a test in form 6.

A description of the test system

Diagnostic materials

The diagnostic materials are designed to illuminate the student’s strengths and weaknesses in a certain subject. The observations or results can therefore serve as a support for the teacher in planning the continuation of the course. They can also be used in personal development dialogues.

The diagnostic materials are used for several years but are gradually revised and complemented. The diagnostic materials are not compulsory; schools may use them as the see fit.

Course tests for forms 3, 5/6 and 9

The primary aim with the course tests at the end of forms 3, 5/6 and 9 is to test the student’s general knowledge of the subject in order to determine whether the goals for each form are fulfilled. In 3rd and 5th form there are no grades, therefore the tests serve as an assessment of the student’s general knowledge at this stage in compulsory school. In connection with the introduction of the new school system, grades will be introduced in form 6. The test in this form, as in the 9th form, will therefore also have the purpose of helping the teacher in grading the students. The tests include oral, reading and writing exercises.

All course tests in compulsory school include oral, reading and writing tests. New course tests are constructed each year.

Course test for upper-secondary school

The national test in Swedish/Swedish as a second language, the B-courses, is aimed to give the students in both upper-secondary school and adult education an opportunity to demonstrate their acquired language level, regardless of their educational programme. The test must therefore include a great variety of tasks. As of autumn 2011 new tests will be given in upper-secondary school due to the new school system. National tests in Swedish/Swedish as a second language will then be given after course 1 and course 3.

The present course test includes an oral part and a writing exercise. New tests are constructed and offered to the schools each term; they are compulsory for upper-secondary school but still voluntary for adult education.

Test construction

A group at the Department of Scandinavian languages at Uppsala University has been appointed by the Swedish National Agency for Education to construct the national tests in Swedish and Swedish as a second language. A great number of teachers from compulsory schools and upper-secondary schools throughout the country are engaged in trying out and evaluating the test materials as well as serving as reference persons. Researchers and persons with specialist knowledge are also part of the construction of the tests in various ways. The project coordinator at the Department of Scandinavian Languages is Eva Östlund-Stjärnegårdh. Project coordinator at the Swedish National Agency for Education is Maj Götefelt (form 3 and 6) and Beatrice Ciolek-Laerum (form 9 and upper secondary school).