Exams should determine ability to perform specific tasks

The curriculum reforms envisaged by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) inevitably implies reforms in our modes of educational assessment. While assessment has been defined as “a machine for reasoning about what students know, can do or have accomplished based on a handful of things they say, do or make in particular settings”, education assessment is the process of determining the extent to which learners have acquired specified knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and abilities.

Generally, assessment helps to diagnose and monitor progress of a learner, provide feedback to learners, parents, teachers and curriculum designers and implementers, selection, guidance on future courses, certification and promotion to the next progression levels.