National Tests in Denmark--CAT as a Pedagogic Tool

Testing and test results can be used in different ways. They can be used for regulation and control, but they can also be a pedagogic tool for assessment of student proficiency in order to target teaching, improve learning and facilitate local pedagogical leadership. To serve these purposes the test has to be used for low stakes purposes, and to ensure this, the Danish National test results are made strictly confidential by law. The only test results that are made public are the overall national results. Because of the test design, test results are directly comparable,offering potential for monitoring added value and developing new ways of using test results in a pedagogical context. This article gives the background and status for the development of the Danish national tests, describes what is special about these tests (e.g., Information Technology [IT]-based, 3 tests in 1, adaptive), how the national test are carried out, and what is tested. Furthermore, it describes strategies for disseminating the results to the pupil, parents, teacher, headmaster and municipality; and how the results can be used by the teacher and headmaster.