[senco-forum] When ready testing: access arrangements?

Hi David and others,

Following this question being posted on this Forum, Paul Simpson, Secretary
of BATOD, made some enquiries and received this response:

"Thank you for your email, which has been passed to me as the access
arrangements co-ordinator for NCTests and single level tests.

Firstly, the single level tests are not online or onscreen assessments. They
are paper-based and there is currently no intention to change this.

Secondly, yes indeed, thought has been given to access arrangements for the
single level tests. 

Details of the access arrangements for single level tests can be found on
the NAA website, here http://www.naa.org.uk/single_level_tests/index.html
and also (for the NCTests) in the Assessment and reporting arrangements
booklets (ARA), which will soon be available online here
http://www.qca.org.uk/eara/

In brief, the access arrangements for single level tests mirror those for
national curriculum tests, with few exceptions (such as no timetable
variations are available to move to a test to the next day). Schools are
able to make arrangements at their discretion, based on normal classroom
practice and a history of need, and only need to notify NAA of their
intentions and actions. NAA will review the arrangements and be available to
discuss any questions schools and local authorities may have. Again, details
are available at http://www.naa.org.uk/single_level_tests/index.html

Please do ask if you have any other questions.

Sincerely
Eve Parmiter 
Project Manager 
Test Administration and Access Arrangements 
Direct Line: 020 7509 5747   Fax: 020 7509 6979"

Hope this helps, 
Stevie
Ewing Foundation

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of David Wilson
Sent: 21 September 2007 14:56
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Cc: davidritchiewilson at btinternet.com
Subject: [senco-forum] When ready testing: access arrangements?

I expect schools are grappling at the moment with the
concept of "when ready testing", but does anybody know
whether any thought has been given to access
arrangements, such as extra time, when setting these
online assessments? Will schools be allowed to
exercise their own discretion in the matter,
reflecting routine classroom custom and practice, or
will an application have to be submitted to some
central organisation like the National Assessment
Agency to request permission? Does anybody know?

David Wilson
Harton Technology College, South Shields
htp://www.specialeducationalneeds.com/