2005 National Assessment of World Orientation (Nature) in Primary Education in Flanders

In 2005 a national assessment was carried out, which was commissioned by the Flemish government, to assess whether pupils have achieved the attainment targets for world orientation (nature domain) at the end of primary education. Data were collected through six written subtests, which fit within three broad categories: (a) human body, (b) nature around us and (c) non-living nature. A representative sample of 4592 pupils from 145 Flemish primary schools participated. Each pupil participated in four subtests, on a chance basis. In addition, performance assessments were administered to assess whether pupils have mastered certain caring and research skills. These performance assessments were administered to a subsample of 1028 pupils. Tests were supplemented with questionnaires for pupils and teachers to collect background information. In the pupil questionnaires, a few short questions were asked about the students themselves. Teachers were questioned about themselves, their classroom practices and some student characteristics.