Hong Kong government panel to urge resuming TSA exam and making it compulsory
Committee member claims new version of controversial academic competencies test for local pupils is now less stressful
A committee tasked by the government to review the Primary Three Territory-wide System Assessment will recommend that the Education Bureau resume the controversial test next year for all schools with a revised format used in a trial this year.
Speaking after a meeting on Wednesday, committee member James Lam Yat-fung explained that the body came to the decision as students were not made to drill and no stress was reported among pupils taking part in the trial this year.
“Many members attended consultation sessions on this year’s TSA,” he said. “They heard from principals and parents that there was no drilling for the assessment this year.”
Another member, Raymond Lai Tsz-man, said it would be good for schools across the city to take part in the TSA as the revised version fulfilled its original purpose.
The bureau has stated the TSA is used to gauge overall student attainment of basic competencies to improve learning and teaching in local schools.
Lai also said most committee members suggested ruling out an opt-out option for TSA for schools and students next year.