School Computer Tests Not Mandatory

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has announced there will be no mandatory requirement for primary schools to complete computer-based assessments in literacy and numeracy in autumn 2013.

The Minister addressed the Assembly today on the outcome of a review he had commissioned on the new NINA (numeracy) and NILA (literacy) assessments following the technical difficulties encountered by some schools last autumn.

The Minister said: "The benefits of pupil assessment for diagnostic purposes are almost universally accepted by our schools and there are tremendous examples of good practice to be found throughout the north. The statutory computer-based assessments (CBAs) were, and are, intended to deliver diagnostic assessments tailored to our curriculum to support teachers and pupils. The data was not collected or collated centrally. Instead, its purpose was to provide teachers and parents with information on a pupil’s strengths and areas for improvement.

"However, following the introduction of the new CBAs in autumn 2012 a significant number of schools reported difficulties in the operation of them. Of most concern, were the experiences relayed to me directly by teachers about the pressure they felt in administering the assessments and in some cases the distress felt by pupils when they faced technical difficulties.

"This is clearly not good enough, and that is why I instigated reviews of the implementation and operation of NINA and NILA, the numeracy and literacy assessment packages and a wider review of the CBA policy."

The Minister continued: "As part of the policy review of statutory CBA, ten workshops were held with every primary school invited to participate. This consultation found that, almost without exception, school principals accept and support the need for diagnostic assessment but wish to see it supported in a more flexible way than the current CBA legislation allows.

"While the engagement with school leaders on medium and long-term options for the way forward has been extremely constructive, I was informed that a key message at each of the workshops has been the need for communication on what is happening in the coming autumn term, to allow schools to plan and prepare.

"To address this concern I am announcing the arrangements for CBA in autumn 2013 today, earlier than originally indicated."

The Minister continued: "On the basis of the findings from the reviews and most importantly in recognition of the concerns expressed by schools, I have decided that my Department will not specify the literacy and numeracy assessments - NINA and NILA - for mandatory use in the forthcoming autumn term.

"There will be no legislative requirement on schools to assess pupils for diagnostic purposes (using CBA or any other assessment) or to update parents with diagnostic assessment results in the autumn term. However I know that schools value diagnostic assessment early in the year and plan to conduct assessments voluntarily using a range of tools. Consequently, I expect diagnostic assessment will take place, in a form that is convenient for schools, and that this information will feed into engagement with parents."

(CD)