Pupils’ tests in reading and maths to go online
ONLINE assessments will replace test papers for national reading and numeracy testing for pupils aged between six and 14 from next year.
National reading and numeracy tests in Welsh schools will adopt the online assessments that will save £2m a year from 2021, the Welsh Government announced today.
The tests – taken by pupils in years two to nine – are all currently carried out on paper.
They will be replaced with new personalised assessments to be taken online that have been specifically designed for use in Wales.
The new assessments will automatically adjust the level of the questions to match the individual taking the test, providing an appropriate level of challenge for each learner.
The scheme will cost the Welsh Government £8m over four years, with the objective of creating ongoing savings of around £2m a year from 2021. Announcing the change to online tests, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said it would reduce marking time and administration.
Schools will be able to test classes, small groups or individuals according to their facilities and at a time that works for them and their learners.
The new tests will be phased in over three years, starting from the 2018/19 academic year.
Ms Williams said: “These tests are about raising standards by showing the next steps that children need to take in their learning.
“The move to online personalised assessments for reading and numeracy will benefit pupils, parents and teachers.
“Pupils will be taking assessments that will adapt to their needs and skills. They will have the benefits of automatic marking and schools will have feedback faster than before, giving them a better picture of how they can help all their learners to move on.
“This approach is tailor-made for Wales.
“It shows how we are investing in our schools to continue our national mission of education reform to drive up standards and make sure every pupil in Wales, whatever their background, has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
From late April to early May pupils in years two to nine in Wales take the National Reading and Numeracy Tests.
The tests were introduced by the Welsh Government in 2013 to raise standards of literacy and numeracy and to try to tackle the link between poverty and educational attainment.
As part of its approach, the Welsh Government introduced National Reading and Numeracy. The tests include a one hour reading test and a one hour Numeracy test comprising numeracy and reasoning,
The tests can provide useful information to add to what a child’s teacher knows about their reading and numeracy from their work every day in the classroom.
Teachers can use the results to identify strengths and also areas where more help may be needed.
However, any test can only look at a limited range of skills and abilities.
The test results are not used to judge a school’s performance and do not go towards “ranking” the school, unlike in England where banding tables are in place and are informed by Sats results.
In Wales there are no consequences for learners or schools based on their National Test results.