The COVID-19 exams fiasco across the UK: four nations and two windows of opportunity.

ABSTRACT: All four UK and devolved governments performed a 'U-turn' on their COVID-19 school exams replacement policies. After cancelling exams, they sought teacher estimates on their grades, but supported an algorithm to standardise the results. When the results produced a public outcry over unfair consequences, they initially defended their decision but reverted quickly to teacher assessment. We explain these developments by comparing two 'windows of opportunity' overseen by four separate governments, in which the definition of the problem, feasibility of each solution, and motive of policymakers to select one over the other lurched dramatically within a week of the exams results. These experiences highlight the confluence of events and choices and the timing and order of choice. A policy solution

SUBMITTER: Kippin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7894241 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature