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Invitation to Participate in the Trial of New Computer-Based Assessments
Dear Principal
I am writing to invite you to participate in the trial of the incoming computer-based assessments for literacy and numeracy. If you are willing for your school to be involved, I would greatly appreciate a response by 31st January 2012.
Background
Over the last five years primary schools have been required to carry out computer-based assessments in literacy and numeracy with pupils in years 4 to 7.Up until this year, the assessments were delivered under contract thorough the InCAS assessment tool supplied by CEM at the University of Durham.
Subsequent to a public procurement process the Department of Education has identified the following new providers for the computer-based assessments:
- Tribal Education Ltd. for the literacy assessment; and
- Rising Stars UK Ltd. for the numeracy assessment
Purpose of Trial
Prior to implementation, it is imperative that these new assessments are trialled to:
- Ensure standardisation of pupil data; and
- Ensure that the assessment engines and associated materials and outcomes meet the needs of schools, teachers, pupils and parents.
What will the trial involve?
- Teacher training on the incoming computer-based assessments;
- Administration of both assessments to pupils across Years 4 to 7; and
- Providing feedback on your experiences of participating in this trial.
Benefits of participation
The use of data from computer-based assessments remains a key aspect of the Department’s school improvement policy. By participating in this trial you will:
- Receive early training and support on the incoming computer-based assessments; and
- Be able to utilise your schools experience from the trial to prepare for the changes to statutory assessment requirements in 2012/13.
Interested in participating in the trial?
If you are interested in participating in this trial please complete this proforma.
It is important to note that restrictions apply to the number of schools able to participate in this trial. Schools will be selected to ensure as equal a demographic distribution as possible, however early responses will be prioritised.
Additional information on the new computer-based assessments can be found on www.nicurriculum.org.uk. If you have any queries regarding this trial - do not hesitate to contact CCEA’s Computer-Based Assessment Helpdesk on: 028 90261274.