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survey to determine the reasons for the lack of interest and motivation. The Registrar agreed that
CXC would poll markers and make any necessary and reasonable changes.

43. The SUBSEC reviewed and accepted the content of the report.

ITEM 10: OPTIONS FOR PRE-TESTING ITEMS AT CXC
44. The SUBSEC received a report on the Options for Pre-Testing Items at CXC and was
informed that an excerpt from the draft Item Bank Policy states that, “the Caribbean Examinations
Council recognizes that a robust and well-maintained item bank is critical for its existence and as
such is committed to the development and maintenance of a secure electronic repository of test
items and the components that make up those items.” The SUBSEC heard that in October 2016,
CXC would commission a new item-banking software and this was in line with the organization’s
strategic objectives. The software is intended to streamline e-authoring, assist with the
transformation of paper development, expand the number and types of questions available for test
construction, realize efficiencies in the creation of test forms, and boost the security of question
banks and tests.

45. Members noted the challenges experienced with the current pre-testing model and
considered the alternative pre-testing option which involved incorporating pre-test items on live
or final test forms that will be administered to examinees. The SUBSEC heard that the advantages
of live pre-testing include:

i. Increased security
ii. Use of larger more representative samples
iii. Reduction in disruption of normal instructional time to administer pre-tests
iv. Scalability: reduction in the expense and logistical complexity

46. The SUBSEC considered the information presented and approved the promotion and
inclusion of a fixed percent (between 8 – 12) of pretest items with operational items on final/live
test forms.

47. There being no other business, the meeting was terminated.

27 October 2016

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