Stakeholder Views on the Consequential and Criterion Validity of Central Examination Scores Used in Placement to Secondary Education Institutions

Abstract

This study aims to examine the views of stakeholders (students, teachers, parents) on the consequential and criterion validity of the central examination (OKMS) scores used for placement in secondary education institutions. The study aimed to determine how consistent the exam is with the intended goals and other social values and to gather information on the adverse effects of measurement results. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 students, 12 teachers and 12 parents who participated in the 2019 OKMS. The data obtained were analysed by qualitative content analysis method. The findings show that stakeholders have both positive and negative significant views on the examination system. In particular, positive aspects such as the voluntary nature of the exam and the fact that it is held in their own school reduce stress are emphasised, while negative effects such as the perception of a future based on a single-day exam, the difficulty of numerical questions, and the constant/sudden change of the system come to the fore. This study provides important qualitative evidence to understand the profound effects of high-stakes testing systems on stakeholders and to develop more sustainable education policies.