1. What is Penilaian Berasaskan Sekolah (PBS)?

PBS is a holistic form of assessment which assesses the cognitive, affective and
psychomotor domains encompassing intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical
aspects. Thus PBS is in tandem with the Primary School Standard Curriculum as well
as the National Education Philosophy. PBS covers both academic and non-academic
fields. PBS is carried out continuously in schools by teachers during the teaching and
learning process.
Is PBS system new to our education system?
No, the PBS concept is not new. Homework, quizzes, question and answer
sessions are all examples of PBS activities. However, there are two new
features in the improved PBS. Firstly the concept of Standard Referenced
Assessment in which learners achievements are measured against a
Performance Standard which determines what learners are expected to
achieve. Secondly is the introduction of SPPBS or PBS Management System
which will make it easier for teachers to record and store data concerning
learners achievement.
When was PBS implemented?
PBS began in Year One 2011 and will result in the refurbished UPSR in 2016.
PBS will be carried out in Form One from 2012 and PMR beginning 2014 will
be entirely school-based.
What are components of PBS?
There are 4 components in the PBS:
(i) Central Assessment
(ii) School Assessment
(iii) Assessment of Sports and Co-curricular activities
(iv) Psychometric Assessment
Why is PBS being introduced now?
PBS is being introduced as part of the National Transformation Program to
produce world class human capital.
2. What is the difference between PBS and the present assessment?
PBS is more holistic and emphasizes all aspects including physical, emotional,
spiritual and intellectual. The present assessment focuses on learners achievement
through examination results. PBS assesses both the learning outcome as well as the
learning process. Therefore both formative and summative assessment which
encompass assessment for learning and assessment of learning are employed.
Presently the focus is mainly on assessment of learning at the end of the learning
process which is largely summative in nature.

In an effort to make the present assessment better, Standard Referenced Assessment is
introduced to track the growth and development of each pupil through his/her
performance. In the process it is possible to find out what each pupil know (tahu),
understand (faham) and can apply (boleh buat) or have mastered what has been
learnt based on the Performance Standards which is mapped from the Standard
Curriculum.

Furthermore, Standard Referenced Assessment does not compare a pupils
achievement with his/her peers instead it reports each pupils growth and
development by comparing his/her performance against a statement of standards.

PBS gives autonomy and due recognition to teachers to carry out formative and
summative school-based assessment at their discretion. In this manner teachers
integrity and credibility will be enhanced. Teachers are most suitable to assess their
pupils because they :
Can a pupil be exempted from PBS?
No. All pupils are appraised based on their ability and readiness. Appraisal
can be carried out when the pupils are ready to be assessed.
Does the PBS apply to pupils with special needs? Will they be exempted?
Pupils with special needs will be assed based on a Performance Standard
especially
customized for them. There will be no exemption.
What is the impact of PBS on UPSR and PMR?
UPSR and PMR are still important modes of assessment, however they will no
longer be deemed as high stake events since PBS is a continuous process and
also more holistic.
Are teachers ready for PBS?
All teachers are qualified and trained in teacher education. In addition they
are given refresher courses to help them manage the PBS.
3. How the reporting process does takes place in the PBS system?
- continuously monitor their pupils growth
- provide constructive feedback to help improve pupils learning abilities
- better understand the context and environment most conducive to assess pupils
- appraise and provide feedback based on the Performance Standards
Who will prepare the performance reports?
Subject teachers will prepare performance reports upon request. The reports
are generated by the SPPBS.
Can parents request for a report on their childs progress?
Parents may request for a report on their childs progress any time provided
the particular topic and relevant skills connected to the topic has been
assessed.
Can schools rank pupils with the implementation of the PBS? How can this be
done?
The school can do so by referring to the evidence of pupils work.
Can Excellent Award recipients be selected by referring to the performance
reports?
Yes. The PBS report should be referred to as a criteria for selecting award
recipients because it is corroborated by hard evidence.
4. Who are the monitors and mentors?
What is mentoring?
It is the process of assisting, facilitating and guiding teachers to conduct PBS
according to set guidelines and procedures.
Who conducts mentoring?
Ketua Panitia, Ketua Bidang, Guru Cemerlang Mata Pelajaran, Master
Trainers and Headmasters/
Principals or any appointed teacher can take on the role of Internal Mentors.
External Mentors are officers from the Examinations Syndicate, State
Education Department and District Education Departments.
What is meant by monitoring?
It is the process of ensuring PBS is conducted according to set guidelines and
procedures.
Who conducts monitoring?
Internal monitoring is conducted by a teacher chosen by the School PBS
Committee. External Monitors can be any officer from the Ministry of
Education