Online testing in schools
Download our online testing guide here - GL Assessment
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Introduction<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the last decade, onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> has become <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
popular with <strong>schools</strong>. Ease of adm<strong>in</strong>istration, <strong>in</strong>stant scor<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
report<strong>in</strong>g, and a less daunt<strong>in</strong>g test environment are just some of<br />
the many reasons beh<strong>in</strong>d this steady move from paper to onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong>.<br />
GL Assessment’s powerful onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> system, Testwise, has been at the forefront of<br />
this change. In fact, we have already delivered over 5 million onl<strong>in</strong>e tests to pupils and our<br />
many ‘high-stakes’ assessments are all available <strong>in</strong> digital format, such as the well<br />
established and highly regarded Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT), Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g Scale and<br />
Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths.<br />
With onl<strong>in</strong>e versions of Dyslexia Screener and Dyscalculia Screener, our Special<br />
Educational Needs (SEN) range is go<strong>in</strong>g digital too.<br />
In fact, we are work<strong>in</strong>g hard at expand<strong>in</strong>g our e-assessment portfolio and broaden<strong>in</strong>g<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> possibilities for <strong>schools</strong>. Excit<strong>in</strong>g new additions <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• CAT4 Digital with a brand new suite of easy-to-understand reports – see pages 10 & 11<br />
• New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital, an adaptive onl<strong>in</strong>e test that cleverly adjusts itself to a<br />
pupil’s read<strong>in</strong>g ability – more on page 12<br />
• Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Digital, an onl<strong>in</strong>e version of our popular<br />
pupil attitud<strong>in</strong>al survey, available <strong>in</strong> early 2013 – see the latest <strong>in</strong>formation at<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk/pass.<br />
However, despite the <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g popularity of onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong>, many <strong>schools</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ue to opt<br />
for paper <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong>. And why change when you are perfectly happy with the paper-based<br />
method?<br />
This guide helps answer that question by look<strong>in</strong>g closely at the many benefits of onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> and show<strong>in</strong>g how it can help both teachers and pupils. It also expla<strong>in</strong>s the steps<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> gett<strong>in</strong>g started. (This is well worth a look – see pages 6 & 7 – as users are often<br />
surprised at how easy it is!)<br />
CONTENTS<br />
Our onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> portfolio 3<br />
The benefits of onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> 4–5<br />
Information for teachers 6–7<br />
Through the eyes of the pupil 8–9<br />
NEW! CAT 4 Digital 10–11<br />
NEW!<br />
NEW! New Group Read<strong>in</strong>gTest Digital 12<br />
NEW!<br />
Parent/carer communication 13<br />
Contact us 14<br />
Contact us<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation or to arrange a free no obligation demonstration, please visit<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk/onl<strong>in</strong>e or call 0845 602 1937. Helpful documents and<br />
guidance notes can also be found at www.gl-assessment.co.uk/testwisehelp.<br />
2
The benefits of onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong><br />
When paper tests are work<strong>in</strong>g well <strong>in</strong> a school, a<br />
switch to onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> can sometimes seem<br />
like more upheaval than it’s worth. However,<br />
after consideration of the many benefits, we f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
that most <strong>schools</strong> never look back! Here’s why:<br />
1 Easy setup<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> doesn’t <strong>in</strong>volve a complicated and time-consum<strong>in</strong>g<br />
setup. It can be done quickly and easily and doesn’t require a<br />
technical expert – please see pages 6 & 7.<br />
Further reports are available at an additional charge. These can be<br />
requested onl<strong>in</strong>e and are supplied onl<strong>in</strong>e too, as soon as your<br />
order is processed. Options <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Local Authority / School Cluster report that compares results<br />
between <strong>schools</strong> and <strong>in</strong>cludes all group comparison criteria.<br />
• Individual Pupil Profile show<strong>in</strong>g overall achievement compared<br />
to the national norms, but also detailed process/curriculum<br />
content category <strong>in</strong>formation to identify easily those areas that<br />
require attention.<br />
2 Reduced adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
All practice, <strong>in</strong>structions and tim<strong>in</strong>gs are computer-adm<strong>in</strong>istered.<br />
Practice question from Progress <strong>in</strong> English Digital Level 11<br />
3 Cont<strong>in</strong>uity of assessment<br />
GL Assessment’s onl<strong>in</strong>e tests have been fully equated to the<br />
equivalent paper-based tests, ensur<strong>in</strong>g the same reliability and<br />
allow<strong>in</strong>g you to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>uity of assessment.<br />
TheYear-on-Year Achievement Report compares your<br />
pupils’ results with results from previous years, enabl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
you to see immediately if they are mak<strong>in</strong>g progress at<br />
the required rate. Pupils that are mak<strong>in</strong>g below average<br />
progress or have low value added can be identified<br />
easily for further support and <strong>in</strong>tervention.<br />
4 Immediate results and reports<br />
As soon as a test has been completed, test scores and reports are<br />
available onl<strong>in</strong>e, significantly reduc<strong>in</strong>g teacher workload and<br />
allow<strong>in</strong>g teachers to evaluate pupils’ needs without the delay of<br />
hand mark<strong>in</strong>g and scor<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
5 Detailed diagnostic reports<br />
As well as track<strong>in</strong>g a pupil's progress with<strong>in</strong> or across subjects, our<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> system, Testwise, also tracks year-on-year<br />
performance and provides comparison of performance aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
nationally standardised data.<br />
Standard reports vary slightly depend<strong>in</strong>g on which test you are<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g. However, as a guidel<strong>in</strong>e, you will have immediate access to<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation:<br />
• Individual and group analysis<br />
• Raw and standardised age scores<br />
• A current National Curriculum level<br />
• Indicative National Test levels<br />
• Question-by-question breakdown<br />
• Results by process or curriculum content category<br />
• Group Demographic Comparison<br />
• Year-on-Year Achievement.<br />
The Group Demographic Comparison Graphs enable<br />
<strong>in</strong>stant analysis of pupil achievement by gender,<br />
ethnicity, free school meals and additional educational<br />
needs. Schools can also add two fields of their choice,<br />
e.g. English as an Additional Language or Postcode.<br />
4
6 Parent/carer reports<br />
For a number of our onl<strong>in</strong>e tests, comprehensive parent/carer<br />
reports are available, support<strong>in</strong>g your communication with this<br />
important stakeholder group and help<strong>in</strong>g to raise achievement<br />
through <strong>in</strong>creased parental <strong>in</strong>volvement. See page 13 for more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
7 MIS compatible<br />
Reports are available <strong>in</strong> PDF and Excel format, enabl<strong>in</strong>g you to<br />
manipulate and reformat the data for import<strong>in</strong>g directly <strong>in</strong>to your<br />
school’s Management Information System (MIS).<br />
8 ‘Live’ data<br />
Data is kept ‘live’ onl<strong>in</strong>e, giv<strong>in</strong>g you added flexibility <strong>in</strong> a number<br />
of scenarios. For example, when a new pupil sits a test, you not<br />
only receive immediate scores but are also able to generate<br />
updated group reports that <strong>in</strong>clude the new pupil too.<br />
9 Increased pupil motivation<br />
Pupils often f<strong>in</strong>d the onl<strong>in</strong>e test experience more motivat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
less daunt<strong>in</strong>g than paper tests.<br />
10 Home/school access<br />
Access to your school’s onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> account is available to you<br />
from any computer whether <strong>in</strong> school, at home or elsewhere. All<br />
you need is a broadband <strong>in</strong>ternet connection.<br />
11 Secure data<br />
Testwise complies fully with the ISO/IEC 27001 <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
standard regard<strong>in</strong>g data security, the highest standard <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
for data security.<br />
Each customer account is given a unique URL (<strong>in</strong>ternet address)<br />
and access is only possible us<strong>in</strong>g the adm<strong>in</strong>istrator password that<br />
is set by the school adm<strong>in</strong>istrator. A pupil logg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to Testwise<br />
will only be able to take any outstand<strong>in</strong>g tests set for him or her.<br />
It is not possible for a pupil to view their own test scores or the<br />
data and scores of any other pupils. Pupil log<strong>in</strong>s are set by the<br />
school adm<strong>in</strong>istrator.<br />
No member of the GL Assessment staff or technical team can log<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a Testwise customer account or access customer data<br />
without express permission.<br />
12 Affordable<br />
While the per pupil cost for onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> is slightly higher than that<br />
for paper <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong>, the significant sav<strong>in</strong>gs made as a consequence of<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e tests tend to more than compensate for this. For<br />
example:<br />
• Immediate scor<strong>in</strong>g and report<strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong> more efficient use<br />
of teacher time and the elim<strong>in</strong>ation of external mark<strong>in</strong>g costs.<br />
• <strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> access to scores and reports means less pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g costs.<br />
• At a time where many local authorities are mak<strong>in</strong>g cut-backs<br />
on specialist teach<strong>in</strong>g staff, it is reassur<strong>in</strong>g to know that onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> provides much of the <strong>in</strong>formation and statistics you<br />
need. With accessible, easy-to-understand reports, onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> decreases <strong>schools</strong>’ dependency on external<br />
consultants to whom <strong>schools</strong> might otherwise turn <strong>in</strong> the<br />
absence of LA-funded specialist teach<strong>in</strong>g staff.<br />
Arrange a free no obligation demonstration today!<br />
T: 0845 602 1937 E: <strong>in</strong>fo@gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
5
Manag<strong>in</strong>g your assessments onl<strong>in</strong>e: Information for teachers<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g your assessments onl<strong>in</strong>e is<br />
straightforward, reliable and very efficient. In this<br />
section, we look at the steps <strong>in</strong>volved. Further<br />
Testwise help documents and guidance notes<br />
can be found at www.gl-assessment.co.uk/<br />
testwisehelp.<br />
3 Load<strong>in</strong>g pupil data<br />
Step 1: Select the test register to which you would like to add<br />
pupil names.<br />
Step 2: Manually enter each pupil’s details. Individual passwords<br />
can be entered too, if you wish to do so.<br />
1 YourTestwise account<br />
As soon as your order is processed, you will be sent a unique URL<br />
(<strong>in</strong>ternet address) and adm<strong>in</strong>istration password. With this<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, you can log <strong>in</strong>to your Testwise account from any<br />
computer with a broadband <strong>in</strong>ternet connection, whether at school<br />
or at home. Your account conta<strong>in</strong>s all onl<strong>in</strong>e tests purchased from<br />
GL Assessment and new tests can be added at any time.<br />
Once you have logged <strong>in</strong> successfully, you can:<br />
• Set up pupils to take a test<br />
• Access all test results and reports<br />
• Request additional reports<br />
• Export data <strong>in</strong>to your MIS.<br />
2 System check<br />
First you need to perform a system check to confirm the tests can<br />
run smoothly on your computers. If preferred, it can be carried out<br />
with your GL Assessment consultant on hand to guide you through<br />
the process.<br />
To automatically start the check, simply click on ‘Setup Check’ <strong>in</strong><br />
the top right hand corner. After a successful check is performed,<br />
the word ‘Pass’ will appear <strong>in</strong> green <strong>in</strong> the ‘Results’ column.<br />
In the vast majority of cases, your computers will pass all the<br />
checks. But if they don’t, it’s almost always a simple question of<br />
enabl<strong>in</strong>g pop-ups or download<strong>in</strong>g a free plug-<strong>in</strong> (e.g. Flash or a<br />
newer version of Adobe Acrobat) from the <strong>in</strong>ternet. The system will<br />
advise you what further action needs to be taken and you can<br />
always contact our Technical Support team on 0845 602 1937.<br />
OR<br />
Import large batches of pupil details us<strong>in</strong>g a CSV file. This<br />
can be exported from your MIS.<br />
Our Technical Support team is on hand to help guide you through<br />
this process if you experience any difficulties – tel 0845 602 1937.<br />
4 Ready to test<br />
Your system has been checked and pupil data loaded to a test<br />
register which will now look similar to the one shown below for<br />
New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital. All pupils listed <strong>in</strong> the test register<br />
can now take the test.<br />
If you would like to import the same pupils <strong>in</strong>to another<br />
test register, this can be done us<strong>in</strong>g a Copy button on<br />
the test register screen.<br />
Screen show<strong>in</strong>g a successful system check<br />
Tests can be made available for an extended time so<br />
pupils can be tested <strong>in</strong> groups that fit with the<br />
availability of computer suites. All pupils can be<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle report, even if they have taken the<br />
test at different times.<br />
6
5 Access<strong>in</strong>g test results and reports<br />
To generate a report, simply tick the required pupils, press the<br />
report button and select from the options shown which report is<br />
required. After completion, the report is available to view or<br />
download from an area called the Subscriptions area <strong>in</strong> which all<br />
results and reports are listed.<br />
FurtherTestwise<br />
help documents and<br />
guidance notes can be<br />
found at<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk/<br />
testwisehelp.<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>in</strong> action<br />
Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths Digital<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce start<strong>in</strong>g to use Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths Digital,<br />
Milton Parochial Primary School has seen higher<br />
levels of progress with itsYear 6 pupils, as<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>ed by Antony Witheyman, Deputy<br />
Headteacher:<br />
Question from Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths 9 Digital.<br />
“We are over the moon with the progress year six pupils have<br />
made <strong>in</strong> maths us<strong>in</strong>g PiM Digital and how easy it has been to<br />
monitor their achievement. Digital assessment will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be<br />
part of our pupil <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> regime so that we can ensure we are<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g the highest standard of teach<strong>in</strong>g and learn<strong>in</strong>g to each and<br />
every child <strong>in</strong> the school.<br />
“We wanted to f<strong>in</strong>d a way to make maths more enjoyable for our<br />
pupils and raise standards of achievement <strong>in</strong> this key area of the<br />
curriculum. We are thrilled with the results we have seen s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
we began us<strong>in</strong>g Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths Digital. The test has been<br />
central to enabl<strong>in</strong>g 80% of our year six pupils to achieve level 5 <strong>in</strong><br />
their national curriculum assessments.”<br />
The Analysis by Process Area report for Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths<br />
shows pupil performance <strong>in</strong> the four content categories of<br />
Number, Data Handl<strong>in</strong>g, Algebra, and Shape, Space and<br />
Measures.<br />
7
Through the eyes of the pupil<br />
For a pupil tak<strong>in</strong>g a test, the process is very<br />
straightforward and, for many, much more<br />
motivat<strong>in</strong>g than a paper test. Concentration levels<br />
are often higher too as pupils only see one<br />
question at a time on the screen and are therefore<br />
not distracted or overwhelmed by the sight of the<br />
other questions.<br />
1) 1 Logg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the test<br />
Pupils log <strong>in</strong> via the school’s unique URL (<strong>in</strong>ternet address). A pupil<br />
then clicks on the Student icon, enters the Register ID (provided by<br />
you) and selects their name from a list.<br />
They are then asked for a password and <strong>schools</strong> can choose from<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g three password modes:<br />
a) Unique <strong>in</strong>dividual pupil password, most frequently used with<br />
older pupils.<br />
b) Shared common pupil password, often used for a class or<br />
group of younger pupils.<br />
c) No password, popular when younger primary school children<br />
are tak<strong>in</strong>g a test and the teacher chooses to log each child <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a specific test beforehand.<br />
3) 3 Tak<strong>in</strong>g the test<br />
Pupils see one question at a time and all questions are <strong>in</strong> full<br />
colour. There are a number of ways of answer<strong>in</strong>g a question, all of<br />
which will have been <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the practice questions. For<br />
example, pupils can select from multiple-choice options,<br />
manipulate onscreen graphics or drag and drop items.<br />
4) 4 F<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g a test<br />
A test will end <strong>in</strong> one of two ways. A timed test ends automatically<br />
whereas, at the end of an untimed test, a pupil is asked to click on<br />
a F<strong>in</strong>ish button. Test data will be saved automatically so that results<br />
and reports can be generated.<br />
To beg<strong>in</strong> a test it’s simply a question of click<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
‘Take Now’ button.<br />
2) 2 Practice questions<br />
First, pupils are shown sample questions and they can complete<br />
these practice questions either at their own pace or as a group<br />
under the guidance of their teacher. Pupils can return to the<br />
practice section at any time while tak<strong>in</strong>g the test.<br />
Progress <strong>in</strong> English Digital<br />
Level 7<br />
• Comprehension exercises<br />
require pupils to spend at<br />
least five m<strong>in</strong>utes read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
before questions are<br />
displayed.<br />
• Pupils use the mouse to<br />
give their answers and can<br />
change their answer by<br />
click<strong>in</strong>g on another option.<br />
Pupils can<br />
move backwards<br />
and forwards to<br />
read the story<br />
and questions.<br />
Practice item from Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths 9 Digital.<br />
8
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>in</strong> action<br />
Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g Scale Digital<br />
Non-Verbal Reason<strong>in</strong>g<br />
8 & 9 Digital<br />
• Pupils can move<br />
backwards and forwards<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g the buttons at the<br />
bottom of the screen.<br />
Unanswered questions<br />
are highlighted.<br />
• To answer, pupils simply<br />
click on one of the options<br />
shown.<br />
The onscreen<br />
clock helps<br />
pupils keep<br />
track of the time<br />
rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Church Vale Primary School uses the digital version of the<br />
Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g Scale (SRS) with all pupils from Year 2 through<br />
to Year 6. Jo Yardley, Deputy Head Teacher, Literacy Leader and<br />
Assessment Leader, expla<strong>in</strong>s:<br />
“The children have taken to the test very well <strong>in</strong>deed. They<br />
used to give us some negative feedback about the previous<br />
paper test we used, tell<strong>in</strong>g us it was bor<strong>in</strong>g and hard, but we<br />
have got a much better response with the Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Scale. The children have also managed to complete much<br />
more on the screen than they did on the previous paper test,<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ly as they just see one question at a time and are happy<br />
to just carry on go<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“The onl<strong>in</strong>e version of the test has saved us so much time.<br />
Rather than staff spend<strong>in</strong>g their time mark<strong>in</strong>g papers, we<br />
<strong>in</strong>stantly get the <strong>in</strong>formation through and can use it to<br />
compare child aga<strong>in</strong>st child, compare the class as a whole and<br />
see how they are perform<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st the national picture. And<br />
all of this at the click of a button.<br />
“At first, our teachers were slightly wary of conduct<strong>in</strong>g the test<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e, but when they saw it <strong>in</strong> practice, they were thrilled to<br />
bits! The biggest benefit is that <strong>in</strong>stead of spend<strong>in</strong>g time<br />
mark<strong>in</strong>g papers, we can now spend time look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
results and do<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g about it.”<br />
Practice item from Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g Scale Digital.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gle Word Spell<strong>in</strong>g Test<br />
Digital 7<br />
• Older students use the<br />
keyboard to type their<br />
answers while younger<br />
pupils use the onscreen<br />
alphabet to spell words.<br />
• Pupils use the mouse to<br />
click on each letter and<br />
make it appear <strong>in</strong> the box.<br />
• Tests for younger pupils<br />
are given orally and they<br />
can ‘Listen Aga<strong>in</strong>’ as<br />
needed.<br />
If they<br />
make a mistake<br />
or change their<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d, pupils can<br />
use the eraser to<br />
rub out, letter by<br />
letter.<br />
List<strong>in</strong>g of SRS Level 2 results with Key Stage 2 <strong>in</strong>dicators.<br />
This report also <strong>in</strong>cludes Standard Age Scores, National<br />
Percentile Ranks, Group Ranks, Raw Scores, Confidence<br />
Bands, Current National Curriculum Read<strong>in</strong>g Levels and<br />
Read<strong>in</strong>g Ages.<br />
9
NEW!<br />
In the spotlight: CAT4 Digital<br />
CAT4 is the fourth edition of GL Assessment’s<br />
well established Cognitive Abilities Test, the UK’s<br />
most widely used test of reason<strong>in</strong>g abilities.<br />
Fully standardised, it has been developed to<br />
support <strong>schools</strong> <strong>in</strong> understand<strong>in</strong>g pupils’<br />
developed abilities and likely academic potential.<br />
Results from CAT4 can help <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tervention,<br />
monitor<strong>in</strong>g progress and sett<strong>in</strong>g targets for<br />
future atta<strong>in</strong>ment.<br />
Aimed at pupils from 7 to 17+ years, CAT4 assesses a pupil’s<br />
ability to reason with and manipulate different types of material<br />
through a series of verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial<br />
reason<strong>in</strong>g tasks. Together, these four batteries provide teachers<br />
with a comprehensive profile of a pupil’s reason<strong>in</strong>g abilities, and as<br />
such the core abilities related to learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Sample spatial ability question.<br />
The result<strong>in</strong>g data can then be used to identify a pupil’s strengths,<br />
weaknesses and learn<strong>in</strong>g preferences, provid<strong>in</strong>g accurate and<br />
reliable <strong>in</strong>formation that is essential for personalised learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Data rich reports<br />
One of the most excit<strong>in</strong>g features of CAT4 is the development of a<br />
brand new suite of reports, offer<strong>in</strong>g richer and more comprehensive<br />
assessment data. Users of CAT4 Digital automatically receive an<br />
enhanced Group Report for teachers, available as soon as the test<br />
is completed. Compris<strong>in</strong>g more narrative than CAT3, reports are<br />
much easier to read and understand, help<strong>in</strong>g you to <strong>in</strong>terpret the<br />
data fully.<br />
Seven additional reports are also available, each of which can be<br />
purchased separately and provided onl<strong>in</strong>e. Designed with specific<br />
audiences <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, the reports appear <strong>in</strong> a range of different<br />
formats from PowerPo<strong>in</strong>t ® presentations for school leadership<br />
teams and govern<strong>in</strong>g bodies to easy-to-understand reports for<br />
parents and pupils. These expla<strong>in</strong> what the data mean and how<br />
pupils can be supported <strong>in</strong> their learn<strong>in</strong>g, both at home and at<br />
school.<br />
• CAT4 Individual report for teachers<br />
• CAT4 Individual report for students<br />
• CAT4 Individual report for senior leaders<br />
• CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders<br />
• CAT4 Summary presentation for senior leaders<br />
• CAT4 Excel report<br />
• CAT4 Cluster report.<br />
Included <strong>in</strong> the Group Report for teachers is an analysis<br />
that assigns all pupils to one of seven broad descriptions<br />
of their preferences for learn<strong>in</strong>g. For example, pupils<br />
with ‘Moderate verbal bias’ are likely to prefer to learn<br />
through read<strong>in</strong>g, writ<strong>in</strong>g and discussion. In contrast,<br />
pupils <strong>in</strong> the ‘Extreme spatial bias’ category are likely to<br />
be high achievers <strong>in</strong> subjects that require good visualspatial<br />
skills such as maths, physics and technology.<br />
However, ow<strong>in</strong>g to a relative weakness <strong>in</strong> verbal skills,<br />
atta<strong>in</strong>ment may be uneven and they may need support<br />
<strong>in</strong> subjects where the emphasis is on the written word.<br />
10
Why use CAT4 Digital?<br />
• It identifies a pupil’s strengths, weaknesses and learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
preferences, provid<strong>in</strong>g essential <strong>in</strong>formation for personalised<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• CAT4 is unique <strong>in</strong> the way it can unlock potential. In other<br />
words, it can identify a pupil with high level ability who may<br />
have been overlooked or who is <strong>in</strong> danger of underachiev<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Latest research has confirmed the importance of assess<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pupils’ spatial ability <strong>in</strong> order to develop and support spatial<br />
skills, which are the basis for success <strong>in</strong> STEM (Science,<br />
Technology, Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and Maths) subjects and careers. The<br />
new separate Spatial Battery <strong>in</strong> CAT4 supports this.<br />
• Results can help <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tervention, monitor<strong>in</strong>g progress and<br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g targets for future atta<strong>in</strong>ment.<br />
• A brand new suite of easy-to-understand reports offers richer<br />
and far more comprehensive assessment data.<br />
• Different reports are available for teachers, senior leaders,<br />
parents and pupils.<br />
• CAT4 has been newly standardised to provide accurate, up-todate<br />
data.<br />
• It can be used to <strong>in</strong>form appropriate target sett<strong>in</strong>g, with<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicators of atta<strong>in</strong>ment provided at KS2, KS3 and KS4 –<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g new ‘If challenged’ <strong>in</strong>dicators.<br />
• GCSE <strong>in</strong>dicators are available for 30 subjects as are AS/A Level<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicators for 21 subjects, Scottish Standard Grade <strong>in</strong>dicators<br />
for 21 subjects, and key subject <strong>in</strong>dicators for Int1 and Int2 <strong>in</strong><br />
Scotland.<br />
Sample quantitative reason<strong>in</strong>g question.<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>in</strong> action<br />
CAT4 Digital<br />
Demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g pupil potential is now a requirement for all <strong>schools</strong>,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g primary <strong>schools</strong>. As a result, many of our users have<br />
decided to start <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> with CAT as early as the end ofYear 3 (P4) or<br />
the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g ofYear 4 (P5). In this way, primary <strong>schools</strong> are left with<br />
a realistic time-frame before transition to secondary to deal with<br />
some of the issues raised by CAT.<br />
CAT4 Digital is particularly suitable for primary <strong>schools</strong> keen to follow<br />
this lead. Not only are results provided immediately, enabl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>tervention plans to be put <strong>in</strong> place without delay, digital <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> is<br />
often found to be less daunt<strong>in</strong>g, especially by younger pupils not used<br />
to traditional ‘paper and pen’ <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> methods. Engag<strong>in</strong>g, full-colour<br />
graphics <strong>in</strong>crease motivation and concentration is helped by show<strong>in</strong>g<br />
only one question at a time on the screen.<br />
CAT Interpretation & Analysis Services<br />
To help <strong>schools</strong> ga<strong>in</strong> full benefit from CAT and enable them to<br />
embed fully the power of CAT predictions <strong>in</strong>to teach<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g, GL Assessment offers comprehensive Interpretation<br />
& Analysis Services for both CAT3 and CAT4. Customers can<br />
choose between the CAT Workshop and the CAT Consultancy<br />
Service for an even deeper and more strategic level of analysis,<br />
aided by partnership with a skilled facilitator. For CAT3 users, a<br />
Strategic Report is also available.<br />
See www.gl-assessment.co.uk/catanalysis<br />
In addition, we offer four professional development modules to<br />
help <strong>schools</strong> get more from their CAT data.These modules are<br />
available for both CAT3 and CAT4.<br />
Visit www.gl-performance.co.uk/data<strong>in</strong>terpretation<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation, please contact us:<br />
T: 0845 602 1937 (option 3) E: pds@gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
Sample question from CAT4 Level A, suitable from<br />
7 years 6 months.<br />
11
NEW!<br />
In the spotlight: New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Test Digital<br />
With the New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital (NGRT<br />
Digital), GL Assessment has taken the power of<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> to a new level by mak<strong>in</strong>g the test<br />
adapt to the read<strong>in</strong>g ability of the pupil. In other<br />
words, pupils see a different version of the test<br />
depend<strong>in</strong>g on how they are scor<strong>in</strong>g as they<br />
move through the items.<br />
Aimed at pupils from 7 to 16 years, this fully standardised test<br />
comprises three sections: phonics, sentence completion and<br />
passage comprehension. Pupils enter the test accord<strong>in</strong>g to their<br />
age and beg<strong>in</strong> with the sentence completion section. Depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on their score, they will progress to either phonics tasks or a<br />
passage comprehension at a suitable level of difficulty. The<br />
difficulty is then slowly <strong>in</strong>creased until the pupils’ scores beg<strong>in</strong> to<br />
show that the test is becom<strong>in</strong>g too challeng<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Developed by GL Assessment and the National Foundation for<br />
Educational Research (NFER), NGRT Digital is an ideal<br />
screen<strong>in</strong>g/monitor<strong>in</strong>g test for groups of pupils. Its ability to show<br />
the ongo<strong>in</strong>g progression and achievement of pupils makes it an<br />
essential tool that satisfies the literacy assessment requirements<br />
of all four UK <strong>in</strong>spection frameworks.<br />
The reports<br />
A detailed Group Report is available as soon as pupils have taken<br />
the test. It <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
• Group Scores for Sentence Completion and Passage<br />
Comprehension<br />
• Analysis by Read<strong>in</strong>g Age Equivalent Band<br />
• Group Scores for Phonics<br />
• Group Demographic Comparison.<br />
Sample questions<br />
from NGRT Digital,<br />
illustrat<strong>in</strong>g the three<br />
sections: phonics,<br />
sentence completion<br />
and passage<br />
comprehension.<br />
Why use NGRT Digital?<br />
• Pupils are not exposed to test material at an <strong>in</strong>appropriate level,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> process a much more positive and<br />
motivat<strong>in</strong>g experience.<br />
• Teachers and SENCOs are provided with accurate results that<br />
reveal the level of their pupils’ read<strong>in</strong>g ability. Pupils with weak<br />
skills can be tested with material at a lower level than that<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ed by age, while pupils with high level skills are<br />
presented with material that better reflects their ability.<br />
• NGRT Digital is a time-efficient and accurate test of a pupil’s<br />
read<strong>in</strong>g progress that can be adm<strong>in</strong>istered at key po<strong>in</strong>ts – for<br />
<strong>in</strong>stance, on transfer from primary to secondary school – or<br />
used year-on-year to check progress.<br />
• Provided the test ascerta<strong>in</strong>s a pupil’s read<strong>in</strong>g ability to be at a<br />
level suitable for the passage comprehension section, NGRT<br />
Digital enables the assessment of read<strong>in</strong>g and comprehension<br />
<strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle test.<br />
• The assessment is ideal to screen pupils for additional support<br />
and will help determ<strong>in</strong>e what level of <strong>in</strong>tervention or further<br />
assessment may be required. It can also help identify pupils<br />
who need to be assessed <strong>in</strong>dividually for Access Arrangements.<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>in</strong> action<br />
New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital<br />
For some secondary school pupils who struggle with read<strong>in</strong>g, it<br />
is sometimes necessary to return to phonics <strong>in</strong> order to cement<br />
stronger foundations for read<strong>in</strong>g progress. NGRT Digital helps<br />
teachers and SENCOs to do this <strong>in</strong> an age-appropriate way by<br />
automatically tak<strong>in</strong>g those pupils with a very low sentence<br />
completion score to the phonics section <strong>in</strong> place of the passage<br />
comprehension section.<br />
Sample report show<strong>in</strong>g group scores for sentence<br />
completion and passage comprehension.<br />
Not only does this provide teachers and SENCOs with valuable<br />
phonics <strong>in</strong>formation at secondary level, it also helps identify<br />
those secondary pupils who need essential support <strong>in</strong> phonics,<br />
an element that is recognised across all UK curricula as key to<br />
read<strong>in</strong>g progress.<br />
12
In the spotlight: Parent/carer communication<br />
It is generally accepted that parental <strong>in</strong>volvement<br />
is an important lever for rais<strong>in</strong>g children’s<br />
achievement. Assessment can play a vital role <strong>in</strong><br />
this by provid<strong>in</strong>g a clear, <strong>in</strong>dependent picture of<br />
where a child is at and what needs to be done to<br />
help him/her progress.<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> assessment goes one step further by provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stant<br />
access to assessment data, enabl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tervention plans to be put <strong>in</strong><br />
place early and progress monitored on a regular basis. A number of<br />
our onl<strong>in</strong>e assessments even generate reports and other types of<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation specifically designed to aid communication with<br />
parents and carers.<br />
Dyslexia Screener Digital<br />
Dyslexia Screener Digital is an <strong>in</strong>novative onl<strong>in</strong>e assessment that<br />
identifies dyslexic tendencies and recommends <strong>in</strong>tervention<br />
strategies. Fully standardised, this 30 m<strong>in</strong>ute test is an ideal tool for<br />
screen<strong>in</strong>g an entire year group or just those pupils show<strong>in</strong>g some<br />
signs of difficulty. It can play an important part <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g both<br />
specialist and non-specialist teachers dist<strong>in</strong>guish between those<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals who are hav<strong>in</strong>g general difficulties <strong>in</strong> literacy and those<br />
whose difficulties are associated with dyslexia.<br />
Progress <strong>in</strong> English Digital<br />
Progress <strong>in</strong> English Digital (PiE Digital) is a standardised test of a<br />
pupil’s read<strong>in</strong>g and writ<strong>in</strong>g ability. Suitable for pupils aged 7 to 11<br />
years, it provides essential diagnostic <strong>in</strong>formation about pupils’<br />
specific strengths and needs <strong>in</strong> English. PiE Digital is used to<br />
monitor progress, <strong>in</strong>form target-sett<strong>in</strong>g, develop <strong>in</strong>dividual learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plans and support teacher assessment.<br />
To help <strong>schools</strong> communicate clearly with parents and carers about<br />
children’s read<strong>in</strong>g goals and progress, the <strong>in</strong>stant reports generated<br />
by PiE Digital now <strong>in</strong>clude a Lexile Measure for each pupil. This is a<br />
new measure of read<strong>in</strong>g ability that also measures text difficulty,<br />
enabl<strong>in</strong>g suitable read<strong>in</strong>g material to be mapped to a pupil. As a<br />
result, PiE Digital reports are supported by a Suggested Read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
List for each pupil based on their Lexile Measure and a sample<br />
explanatory letter for parents similar to the one shown here:<br />
To help aid parent/carer communication both before and after<br />
screen<strong>in</strong>g, the <strong>in</strong>stantly generated reports <strong>in</strong>clude a comprehensive<br />
parent/carer report that expla<strong>in</strong>s their child’s score <strong>in</strong> each of the six<br />
sub-tests. To help parents and carers understand further exactly<br />
what the test <strong>in</strong>volves, the purpose of each sub-test is expla<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
and an example question shown. Further guidance and letter<br />
templates are also <strong>in</strong>cluded.<br />
A parent/carer<br />
report is also <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong><br />
the reports generated by<br />
Dsycalculia Screener Digital.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation, visit:<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
/onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
A section of the parent/carer report<br />
from Dyslexia Screener Digital.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation about Lexile measures,<br />
please visit www.improvemyread<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk.<br />
13
Contact us<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation on onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> and our<br />
digital assessments or to arrange a visit from<br />
your regional GL Assessment consultant, please<br />
contact us.<br />
Tel: 0845 602 1937<br />
email: <strong>in</strong>fo@gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
A visit is an ideal way of gett<strong>in</strong>g all of your questions<br />
about onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong> answered, discuss<strong>in</strong>g your school’s<br />
assessment requirements <strong>in</strong> detail and see<strong>in</strong>g any of our<br />
digital assessments <strong>in</strong> action:<br />
• NEW! CAT4 Digital<br />
• CAT3 Digital<br />
• Verbal Reason<strong>in</strong>g Digital<br />
• Non-Verbal Reason<strong>in</strong>g Digital<br />
• Progress <strong>in</strong> Maths Digital<br />
• Progress <strong>in</strong> English Digital<br />
• NEW! New Group Read<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital<br />
• S<strong>in</strong>gle Word Spell<strong>in</strong>g Test Digital<br />
• Suffolk Read<strong>in</strong>g Scale Digital<br />
• Available early 2013:<br />
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Digital<br />
Useful l<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
GL Assessment homepage:<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
<strong>Onl<strong>in</strong>e</strong> <strong>test<strong>in</strong>g</strong>:<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk/onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Help documents and guidance:<br />
www.gl-assessment.co.uk/testwisehelp<br />
14
The GL Education Group is a<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g provider of <strong>in</strong>tegrated<br />
assessments, stakeholder<br />
surveys, self-evaluation<br />
systems and professional<br />
development services.<br />
Together, our two divisions,<br />
GL Assessment and<br />
GL Performance, provide<br />
teachers with the resources<br />
and services they require to<br />
help raise standards <strong>in</strong> our<br />
children's education.<br />
With over 30 years’ experience<br />
<strong>in</strong> the education market,<br />
GL Assessment provides<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrated assessments for<br />
children’s education, mental<br />
health and wellbe<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Our rigorous, high-quality<br />
assessments <strong>in</strong>clude the<br />
Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT)<br />
and the Pupil Attitudes to Self<br />
and School (PASS) survey.<br />
GL Performance offers<br />
management tools and<br />
resources that are designed to<br />
maximise the impact of selfevaluation,<br />
school<br />
development plann<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
school improvement <strong>in</strong><br />
primary, secondary,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependent and special<br />
<strong>schools</strong>, as well as <strong>schools</strong><br />
with Academy status. Our<br />
solutions <strong>in</strong>clude Kirkland<br />
Rowell Surveys, Professional<br />
Development Services and<br />
Schoolcentre.<br />
15
GL Assessment<br />
9th Floor East, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL<br />
Tel: 0845 602 1937 Fax: 020 8996 6035 email: <strong>in</strong>fo@gl-assessment.co.uk www.gl-assessment.co.uk<br />
GLA533