The English Language Test of the Singapore Primary School Leaving Examination

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is taken by all Primary 6 students in Singapore. Test takers are assessed in four subject areas: English Language (EL), a Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science. Test scores of the high-stakes PSLE determine outcomes relating to secondary school placement of test takers. This article reviews the EL test of the PSLE. We provide background information, give a description of the PSLE EL test, and adopt Kunnan’s Test Fairness Framework to examine the fairness of the test in its validity, absence of bias, access, administration, and social consequences. Because of a lack of empirical studies on the PSLE EL test, we have occasionally based our evaluation on secondary sources (e.g., anecdotal evidence). Overall, our review shows that the validity of the test may have been enhanced because of improvements to the test design in the past two decades. We also find proactive access arrangements and stringent, efficacious administration of the test in place. Given that there is little empirical research on the PSLE EL test, more research is needed to further examine it.