The Ministry of Education wishes the parents and public as a whole to understand that the Fiji Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (FILNA) Test is not to be used as a selection process for further progression to upper classes.
The test which is outcomes-based is derived from the current local prescriptions in Literacy and Numeracy at the classes 4, 6 and 8 levels. The results are not given as marks as in the FIE and FEYE, rather the achievement of a child is shown on an Individual Student Report as a location on a progressive scale of educational outcomes.
Educational outcomes are statements of what a child can do as a result of learning. For example, in Numeracy, an outcome can be stated as “Can add numbers involving hundreds”. Also shown on the same Individual Student Report are the Class Average and the National Average for the subject for comparison purposes.
Reporting student achievement by this method is a powerful way of informing teachers and parents about a student’s learning achievement. Because of the detailed report, teachers can identify specific weaknesses and strengths in students and take action accordingly. It also means that parents can assist their children in specific learning areas at home.
Filipe Bole Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.