Assessment Resource Banks: From national testing to a school-based resource

Cedric Croft, 2002

The Assessment Resource Banks (ARBs) in English, mathematics, and science have been designed to reflect current New Zealand curriculum statements and provide schools with an ever-increasing range of valid and reliable assessment material.  They are available on the Internet and are now established as the main source of school-based assessment material for New Zealand schools. 
 
During their early development phase, national and school-based uses were seen as dual elements, but they now function exclusively within a school-based environment.  This article outlines the development and present structure of the ARBs, discusses their consolidation as a school-based resource, and suggests future directions.