[senco-forum] Re: access arrangements

Hi,

The reading test scores used to see whether a pupil needs a reader at 
GCSE are standardised scores. A higher level of reading would therefore 
be necessary to achieve a reading standardised score that was not in the 
below average range in Year 11, than in Year 9.  This is certainly the 
case with the single-word WRAT-3 reading test, where the cut-off point 
for a reader for a 14-year old in Year 9 is 10 years 2 months (i.e. this 
is the highest reading age that gives a reader), whereas for a 16 year 
old in Year 11 it is 12 years 2 months. I have used reading ages as I 
think this illustrates the case better. I would therefore be very 
surprised if any pupil needing a reader in Year 9 does not need one in 
Year 11. In order to be on firm ground, I would suggest that you retest 
the pupils to make sure that they no longer need readers, rather than 
taking the teachers word for it. I always suggest that it is documented 
if a pupil refuses to have the access arrangement offered. The JCQ 
regulations say that you should consult a pupil before giving the access 
arrangement. If a reader has been deemed to be necessary at the end of 
Year 9 ( I am assuming that this is within the two years prior to the 
start of the GCSE examination series), I am puzzled why  readers have 
not been given in the mock exams and in the year 10 exams, as this 
should have been their normal way of working in these examinations. The 
'life' of the assessment lasts for two years and so a test done at the 
end of Year 9, within the two years prior to the start of the 
examination series would still be valid for the Year 11 exams. (These 
applications only have to be made once and you do not have to re-apply 
every year.)

Regards,
Janet