grounds of grades.
To understand each association’s current position a quick vote was taken, this indicated that 4 associations were in favour of a straight pass/fail, this left two associations in favour of a grading system.
One association said they had run a survey and had received a response in favour of a grading system. None of the other representatives were aware of the survey, which is why there was only just over 500 responses. A survey current running on Survey Monkey shows that currently 65% are against a grading system.
After some discussion it was unanimously agreed that some form of indictor of the instructors’ performance, along side the numerical score given by the examiners. This however did not mean a formal grading system as is currently used.
After much discussion on other subject matters it was suggested by the Chair of the teleconference that Mike Frisby (DIA) take the lead on the grading topic and draft a reply to the ADI Registrar.
A draft was produced that was totally different from that that was agreed. It recommended a formal grading structure of 3 grades above the pass mark with possible descriptors Pass/Merit/Distinction.
Dib-Unite complained that the draft response was not as agreed and should be amended to give a true reflection on what was agreed; one of the other National Associations agreed, however it seems that the new National Associations Steering Group is not a place to voice any kind of dissent as it is not acceptable.
As a result of the email sent by Dib-Unite, our representative at the teleconference was excluded from the internal email system, so was not given the opportunity to take any further part in discussions. Hardly the response you would of expected from so called ‘professional’ people.
We our aware that a compromise response to the Registrar was put forward by Peter Harvey (MSA), this was acceptable to the Dib, we received the Peter’s email but no further correspondence until after the response had been sent, the response that didn’t include any of Peter’s well worded remarks. It is noted that the response sent is slightly toned down from the original draft but still did not reflect the agreed feelings of the representatives in our opinion.
So where does this leave the National Association Steering Group, hardly an auspicious start. We don’t expect to agree on all topics but do expect everyone’s views to be taken into consideration.
Other matter discussed included:
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