Scoil Bhride BNS

Scoil Bhríde, Tullamore

18524k

Assessment policy

2012.


Introduction
The original assessment policy was developed by Scoil Bhride Principal and Deputy Principal in consultation with Teaching staff and Parent representative, Mr. J. Dench in 2009. This was in response to the issue of 'Assessment in Primary schools' Guidelines for schools (NCCA).
That original policy formalised assessment procedures which had been in place within the school for a number of years. The policy was drafted and formulated in accordance with the guidelines mentioned above.
The policy was brought to the staff for agreement and input and to the BOM for ratification.
The 2012 review of this policy has been carried out by J. Healy in consultation with Principal and teaching staff. This policy also had input from Mr. J. Dench, outgoing Parent Rep to the BOM.
This policy is also designed to comply with the Dept. of Ed. Literacy and Numeracy strategy 2011.

Aims of this policy
This policy aims to
" Outline procedures for assessment in the school for interested parties
" Help to inform Teaching and learning in the school
" Formalise some procedures which already exist in the school
" identify and celebrate current learning
" Enrich understanding of what a particular child's needs might be
" Construct a picture of the child, allowing for planning for the child
" Inform new Teachers and Parents of assessment procedures.
" Comply with Dept of Ed.Literacy and Numeracy strategy for 2011.
" Provide opportunities for assessment for learning
" Provide opportunities for assessment of learning


Relationship to the school ethos
We refer to the schools mission statement. This policy was developed with regard to this statement and in particular, where the mission states that 'Positive self concepts are nourished and the learning environment is supportive and respects diversity and inclusiveness'

Responsibilities and roles
The Principal, as Data controller for the school, has overall responsibility for assessment Data which is held on pupils. The Principal may also delegate this duty. For the purposes of review, the Principal may also convene a group to review procedures and policy.

1. Assessment process in the school
1.1. Standardised Assessment
The school currently uses the following standardised assessment methods:
" Micra-T reading test (Third term)
" Sigma-T mathematics test (Third term)
" The school also administers NRIT - intelligence test (First term).As it is an intelligence test, it is not necessary to administer this test annually. However, all classes will complete this test at least twice over the course of their time in Scoil Bhride.
All of the above are carried out in line with administration instruction, and all of the pupils will take these tests, with the following exceptions:
-Where the Parents of the pupil refuse such a test
-Where the Teacher deems that the pupil does not have the language skills to attempt such a test, and such an attempt would be a futile exercise.
All results of standardised tests are retained within the school. These results are contained in digital and written form and are available to Parents on request. Individual reports can be generated upon request. This system is currently administered by the LS Teacher.
In hard copy, the information will be contained in a locked filing cabinet. In digital form, this information will be 'Password-protected'. These test results will be kept on file until the child reaches the age of 21.
The results of these standardised tests will inform decisions to be taken in regard to teaching and learning in the future. However it is also recognised that a standardised test cannot be relied upon as the sole indicator of ability, it may contain a cultural bias and that in devising strategies for teaching and learning, a range of assessment strategies may be used.

1.2. Other methods of assessment
-Teacher's records
The Teacher will normally keep their own record of informal observations, remarks, incidents etc. This may inform classroom planning and will serve as a useful tool for the Teacher over the course of the year.
" The pupil folder
Each pupil, each year, will be assigned a folder. This folder may contain samples of the pupils work, worksheets, and other information which will help to build a picture of the individual child's progress. It may be used to store documents filled in by the class Teacher, Learning support/Resource Teacher if appropriate. This file will support Teachers and children in their learning, will provide information for subsequent Teachers and will help to inform the Teacher when preparing reports for Parents.
It will be policy that no sensitive information will be contained in these folders. Sensitive data on Pupils shall be kept in the office, filed appropriately, and Password protected, when stored digitally.

-The Report card

A written report is issued to all Parents at the end of the year. This contains relevant information about the child's interests, strengths, educational Progress, and achievements. The purpose of this report is to share assessment information with Parents in an accessible format so that they can use the information to help the child to learn at home, thus strengthening the link between home and school. The assessment methods used in the report are grades and narrative comments. These comments will be objective, instructive and phrased in a positive manner in order to support further learning and maintain positive attitudes towards school.
This report shall now issue in Early/Mid June, and shall allow a follow-up meeting between Parents and Teacher should the need arise.
This written report has been chosen from the list of templates available from NCCA. Results of standardised tests shall be included in these written reports.
Sharing of assessment information
-Standardised assessment information is available to Parents on request. The annual meeting with the Teacher also allows an opportunity to discuss the results of tests undertaken. Test results shall be included in the written report to Parents.All Teachers will be supplied with standardised results prior to meetings with Parents. Assessment information shall also inform IEP meetings.
Assessment information is also shared at an annual meeting with our NEPS Psychologist. Standardised scores, especially NRIT scores along with other assessment information, inform this meeting.
-Assessment information is also shared between Teachers. At the end of every academic year, an opportunity will be given to Teachers to share information with each other regarding pupils in their class/caseload. This is to facilitate planning for the year ahead.
-Assessment information will also be discussed at ISM level, and shall form the basis for School self-evaluation and planning.
-Assessment information will also be provided to relevant second level schools and other Primary schools to which a child might move, providing that written permission is given by the Parents of the child. This permission is requested on enrolment in Scoil Bhride.

Other forms of Classroom assessment
We refer to the guidelines for assessment in Primary school. The following forms of assessment may be used in the classroom. These include:
" Self assessment (KWL method)
" Conferencing
" Creating a portfolio
" Concept mapping
" Teacher Questioning
" Teacher observation
" Teacher designed tests and tasks

Assessment of curricular areas
Some assessment methods will be particularly suited to certain curricular areas. We refer to the various curricular plans in place for further information on assessment methods in that area.

Review
This plan is due for review in 2014.