Reference Framework for Planning Learning and Evaluation Activities

Students must meet the predetermined criteria (criterion-referenced interpretation) to obtain the related
marks (dichotomous marking). It is by satisfying a cumulative number of criteria, including the most
important (which are specified) that the student achieves the minimum performance standard.
Every competency in the program is evaluated for certification purposes. A pass/fail decision is made
on the basis of whether or not the student has achieved the minimum performance standard. Programs
are designed in such a way that, in order to receive a Diploma of Vocational Studies or an Attestation
of Vocational Specialization, students must acquire all of the competencies in the program of study in
accordance with job market entry-level requirements.
Using evaluation specifications for certification purposes
Evaluation specifications for certification purposes are developed by specialists. Validation measures
require a group of teachers to evaluate the validity, faithfulness and feasibility of the specifications.
Validation methods may vary, but the objective is always the same: to ensure that the application of
criteria and weightings allow the teacher to infer the acquisition of a competency.
The use of specifications is essential if educational institutions are to develop examinations in
conformity with compulsory evaluation criteria. The cooperation of teachers who teach the program or
education or evaluation specialists is a simple and effective means of ensuring that local examinations
are valid and conform to the established criteria or to the pass/fail conditions.
Despite the care taken in the production and validation of specifications, a serious weakness may go
undetected and result in a false certification. Indeed, if the criteria, weightings and minimum
performance standard do not result in the recognition of a competent person or, on the contrary, do not
result in the failure of an incompetent person, the educational institution must inform the Ministère,
which will then analyze the difficulty and take the necessary corrective measures. It is important to
assure the job market of the value of certification. From the program development stage to the
evaluation of the students’ learning, educational responsibility is shared by the educational institutions
and the Ministère.
Key moments for recognizing a competency
Evaluation for certification purposes can take place before the end of the allotted learning period: the
teacher may recognize that the competency has been acquired and evaluate a student for certification
purposes before the rest of the group.
68 Planning Activities to Help Students Acquire Competencies