20/03/2013

Primary Schools Affected By Wrong Test Results

A computer glitch is being blamed for errors found in the results of a computer-based literacy test used by primary schools.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) have insisted however that the results received by parents and pupils were correct.

It is understood all numeracy results were correct, but the problem was with the standardised scores for the literacy assessment which was provided by Tribal Group.

The tests are used by primary schools within Northern Ireland to plot their progress and see how they compare to other schools.

A statement from CCEA said: "We are extremely disappointed that an error was introduced into the calculation of the scores and we apologise for any distress or inconvenience caused.

"It is particularly frustrating as the scores presented to us for review in January were correct. An error was subsequently introduced into the data by our literacy assessment provider prior to the information being made available to schools via the company's website in February."

The CCEA added that the error has been fixed and the correct standardised data is now available.

The computer-based tests were carried out on pupils in P4 to P7 at the start of the year.

This isn't the first time primary schools have been affected by a computer glitch.

In October last year, up to 400 primary schools had problems with computer assessments.

(JP)

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