Vera Frith|Robert Prince
The National Benchmark Quantitative Literacy Test for Applicants to South African Higher Education
national benchmark test project nbtp commissioned higher education south africa 2005 assess academic proficiency prospective students competencies assessed include quantitative literacy using nbtp ql test instrument criterionreferenced multiplechoice test developed collaboratively south african academics provides complementary information provided normreferenced schoolleaving examination paper outline theoretical framework provides foundation nbtp ql test describe test construct ql test specifications three dimensions specified item competencies reasoning behaviour required answer item correctly main mathematical statistical ideas item addresses characterisation level cognitive processing item calls results reported using benchmarks place students scores proficiency bands indicate extent curricula responsive level preparedness discuss extent nbtp ql test succeeding contributing meeting goals nbt project test intended provide institutions information assist admissions placement decisions ql test scores used uniformly purposes across higher education sector nbtp ql test results show majority students severely underprepared ql demands higher education comprehensive systemic response requiring curriculum change many levels required