What is a SBA?

School Based Assessment or SBA has been a part of the CXC examinations
assessment structure from its first examinations in 1979. 

Functions of SBAs 

The SBA is regarded as good assessment practice, but what function does it really
serve? The following are some functions of SBA:

● provides opportunities for the teacher to gather data on student performance

over time.
● provides a more reliable assessment of the student by those who know the
students best – their subject teachers
● serves to motivate students by engaging them in meaningful activities that are
relevant to them;
● reinforces curriculum aims and good teaching practices;
● aligns assessment with curriculum and instruction;
● provides students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their competence;
● allows students to be active participants in the assessment process;
● gives credence and recognition to the teachers’ informed judgments about
students’ performance; and
● allows teachers to be critical leaders in the assessment process.

Your sba has several steps/ tasks. In today’s class you’ll be focusing on the first three.

1. Statement of the problem.

2. Reason for selecting area of research.
3. Method of investigation.

Your statement of the problem should be in the form of a question. It is what you plan
to investigate. E.g. what are the causes of the high rise in crime and violence within the
community of Wakefield.

Your reason for selecting area of research. This is usually two paragraphs
explaining why you choose the area and topic for your research. E.g.

The researcher chose this area of research because he has been living in the
community of Wakefield for over 5 years. During his time within the community he has
witness and massive increase in the amount of criminal and violent acts taking place
there. The research has seen an increase In Theft, gang related activities, assault not to
mention more military and police presence within the coming. The research has heard
the cry of community members who are scared for their lives and tired of living this way.
He has witnessed several deaths due to criminal activities.

It is the researcher’s hope that in carrying out this study he will be able to figure out
what is causing the increase in crime and violence. He would also like to get information
on the effects this is having on the community. By the end of this study the research
hope to be able to present some solutions to this issue.

Method of investigation- here you will describe how you will gather tour data. E.g

The investigation method  used for this survey was the printed
q'uestionnaire.  "his method was used for the following reasons- 
1. The respondents confidentiality is guaranteed
2. The  data can be collected in a short period of time
3. It facilitates easy data analysis.