Scottish Survey of Achievement: reference groups

For each survey in the Scottish Survey of Achievement (SSA) the Planning Group asks Learning and Teaching Scotland to set up a Reference Group. In general terms, the Reference Group is asked to offer advice on the scope and conduct of the survey and, where appropriate, on national assessments 5-14. 

The membership of reference groups is drawn largely from schools, with members being selected from nominations made by local authorities.  Other members come from local authorities, higher education institutes, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Scottish Government.

The chair of each reference group is usually an officer of Learning and Teaching Scotland.

Each reference group is set up about 18 months prior to the survey on which it is offering advice and continues until shortly after the results of the survey are published.