New national standardised assessments: FOI release

FOI reference: FOI/17/02970
Date received: 7 December 2017
Date responded: 21 December 2017

Information requested

Information relating to the role of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in overseeing the new national standardised assessments. In particular you asked for (a) ACER's remit in relation to the new national standardised assessment, (b) the timescale for the delivery of ACER's contract with the Scottish Government, and (c) details of any requirements ACER has to assist schools undertaking the new online assessments, particularly with regards to provision of digital devices necessary for pupils to do an online assessment.

Response

I enclose a copy of the information you requested.

(a) ACER's remit in relation to the new national standardised assessment, ACER's remit for delivery of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments is set out in the Statement of requirements which formed part of the Invitation to Tender for the contract. I have attached separately a copy of the Statement of Requirements which provides full details of ACER's role within the project.

(b) the timescale for the delivery of ACER's contract with the Scottish Government, The period of the Contract is from 24 October 2016 to 23 October 2019 with the option to extend the period of the Contract to a date no later than 23 October 2021.

(c) details of any requirements ACER has to assist schools undertaking the new online assessments, particularly with regards to provision of digital devices necessary for pupils to do an online assessment.

ACER are responsible for providing training for schools and local authorities in the use of the assessment system. They provide full training including:

• provision of guidance and training materials prior to delivery

• provision of support for teachers, administrators and schools on an on-demand basis

• all administration associated with delivery and completion of the Assessments.

ACER are not required to provide any devices necessary for pupils to do an online assessment. This remains the responsibility of the local authority.

It was recognised as part of the requirements for SNSA that this online system must work with the variety of technical platforms, devices and internet bandwidth connectivity available within Scottish local authorities and schools. The system can be used on Windows PCs and laptops, Apple Mac devices, Chromebooks and tablet devices. Care has been taken from an accessibility perspective to ensure that pupils that use assistive technology will be able to use the system. The system will allow pupils to start the assessment on one device and then pick again on another should there be any problems with an individual device. As there is no fixed time for the assessments to be completed, they can be scheduled at a time that suits both the teacher and the availability of devices.

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