Over the past week there has been some discussion regarding the 'over testing' of students caused by the National Standards and the fact that it does not show or measure progress. This is a complex yet worthy debate. Given we are currently holding Parent/Student Conferences, I thought an explanation of our philosophy and the processes around how we get to know our students might be timely.

Nga mihi nui

In 2008, the introduction of National Standards (NS) caused turmoil in the primary education sector. The NS are an external set of benchmarks for each year level as a child progresses through to Year 8. Schools are then obligated to report to parents twice a year from Year 4 to Year 8, and on the anniversary of starting school for the younger levels (20, 40, 80, 100 or 120 weeks). Schools must also report the NS data to the Ministry of Education (MoE) in an annual summary. This information then becomes part of the published information open to public scrutiny.

One of the main reasons for the introduction of the NS was the general feeling that the level of assessment information reported to parents did not accurately inform them about whether their child was achieving at a level where they should be. Some parents being told when their child entered high school that they were behind in the core areas.

Schools have some autonomy when reporting progress and achievement to parents. The only requirement being that we must report to parents twice a year on the NS. This means teachers must make an overall teacher judgement (OTJ) based on the information they have on a student at that point in time. To do this involves integrating the knowledge of the student during class, their work samples and also from norm-referenced testing (norm-referenced tests report whether test takers performed better or worse than a hypothetical average student, which is determined by comparing scores against the performance results of a statistically selected group of test takers). From Year 3, we use these standardised tests to help inform the OTJs. This also requires moderation of the results with the known information of how the student performs in class and through using other non-norm referenced testing results. This then allows us to place them on the standard at 'below or not yet', 'at', or 'above'. 

So do we over-test? This is a fine line where we balance current and up-to-date information, with using assessments that help provide deeper information to inform the goal setting, planning and teaching and learning cycle. We would also expect that results are shared with students and parents. More specifically the areas where success has been achieved and areas where further work is required. Over the past weeks, students have been taking tests that will be shared with parents at the upcoming conferences. Basically, if the purpose is targeted at improving teaching and learning, we believe it is fair and reasonable to use the norm-referenced testing to strengthen the overall picture we have of a student. 

We do have a strategic policy document that sets out our intentions and purpose (see attached Assessment Policy) and an Assessment Plan that sets out the testing programme to ensure the data provided presents an accurate picture of progress over time. This is then reported to students and parents.

At Mt Pleasant there are several ways in which you will receive specific information regarding your child's achievements and progress. The main area is  through the Student/Parent & Teacher Conferences held twice a year. These 30-minute conferences are designed to allow in-depth discussion about the student, there achievements and the direction of their learning over the next 5-6 months. At these conferences, you will be provided the latest assessment information and collaborate with the student, and teacher to establish goals that will become the individual focus. A written summary is sent home at the end of each conference. It is also important to us that parents understand they can, at any time, make an appointment to see their child's class teacher to discuss the progress of their child. 

In addition to this, the end of year summary report is sent home. This is an overall summary of your child's progress over the period of the year and includes the end-of-year NS information.

This is a complicated process and we aim to ensure we provide accurate and timely information about your child/ren. We hope this overview helps you as you prepare to meet with your child's class teacher over the next two weeks.

In the next newsletter, we will share the developments around our Character Education and the growing importance of this in schools.

Have a great two weeks. We hope to see you at the Big Day Out this weekend.

Hei kona ra

Chris