CXC to phase out traditional SBA for most subjects due to AI concerns

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is implementing significant reforms to its School-Based Assessment (SBA) framework, including the phased removal of the traditional SBA for the majority of non-practical Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subjects. This strategic shift is a direct response to the rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence and other technological advancements.

According to a press release, these changes are designed to bolster the integrity of CXC's assessment system and maintain confidence in the qualifications awarded across the region. CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wayne Wesley, clarified that the reforms are not intended to hinder the use of AI in education but rather to safeguard student assessments as the Caribbean education system adapts to AI's growing influence.

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CXC will always act in the best interest of the region, even when that requires difficult decisions.

Dr. Wesley emphasized CXC's commitment to the region's best interests, even when difficult decisions are necessary. He noted that while the SBA has served students for nearly five decades, CXC has a responsibility to act when the existing system can no longer reliably evaluate a student's work. "The integrity of our qualifications is not negotiable," he stated, highlighting that the reforms underscore CXC's dedication to upholding the standards trusted by Caribbean families, educators, and employers.

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The integrity of our qualifications is not negotiable.

The reforms, which follow extensive consultations with stakeholders across 21 Caribbean states and territories, will commence with the 2027 academic year. For practical subjects such as Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Food, Nutrition, and Health, the SBA will remain, albeit with enhanced moderation measures. However, for non-practical subjects including Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business, and Information Technology, the traditional SBA will be gradually eliminated.

In place of the traditional SBA for these subjects, candidates will be required to complete Paper 032, an existing alternative assessment administered under strict examination conditions. The revised model will feature three key components aimed at fostering extended and reflective learning: students will receive their examination topics approximately one month in advance, be granted additional time to complete the assessment, and will be permitted to bring reference notes into the examination room. CXC Director of Operations, Dr. Nicole Manning, stressed that this redesigned assessment preserves the essence of extended, reflective learning while restoring confidence in the authenticity of student work, urging stakeholders to uphold the value of CXC qualifications.

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A CXC qualification means something. It means something to employers, to universities, to parents, families and guardians, who have invested years of commitment and sacrifice.