The cantons of Aargau, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn (BR NWCH) have commissioned the Institute for Educational Evaluation, Associated Institute at the University of Zurich, to develop and implement joint school performance tests in the 3rd and 5th grades of primary school level (Check P3 and Check P5) and in the 2nd and 3rd grades of lower secondary school level (Check S2 and Check S3). The so-called Checks examine students’ subject performance in German, English, French, mathematics as well as sciences. The Checks are carried out as an external standardised assessment of students’ current learning level with the aim of providing them with an independent, cross-class assessment of their competences. The results are reported in relation to the curriculum Lehrplan 21 (criteria-based norm) and in comparison with all students in the canton or the Bildungsraum Nordwestschweiz (social norm) at individual, class and school level. In addition, students can track their learning progress (individual reference norm) between the 2nd and 3rd grades of lower secondary level I on the basis of the Check S2 and the Check S3.
