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InCAS Assessment Training and Implementation

The phased introduction of the InCAS computer-based assessments began with Year 5 in September 2007. The principal focus in 2007 was to deploy the InCAS assessment tool and train teachers in its use.

 

The implementation was supported by a programme of face-to-face training delivered by CCEA as well as a broad range of support and guidance materials available for teachers (and parents) including a website, online materials, hardcopy guidance and interactive tutorials. These are available at www.nicurriculum.org.uk - just click on 'Pupil Profile'.

 

The training was delivered in phases:

• Phase 1
  Summer 2007 – The Pupil Profile process and use of the computer-based assessment tool (InCAS).
• Phase 2  
  Autumn 2007 – Interpretation of the assessment information and intervention strategies..

Report formats are available on the Pupil Profile website for use with Years 1 and 5 in 2008 and online support is available for those schools choosing to use the report writing software available on the C2k managed service.

 

Training phases 1 and 2 comprised of eighty-six events held in the summer and autumn across Northern Ireland for all Year 5 teachers (approximately 1500 teachers receiving two full training days).

 

The implementation programme is subject to an independently validated evaluation process. Teachers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the training and support provided by CCEA. Initial feedback from teachers about the process of running the assessments indicates that they find outcomes helpful and that the process was generally more manageable than they had anticipated. No software failures were reported.

 

The Irish Medium version of the maths assessment has been available to schools on the C2k managed service since mid-November.

 

CCEA is working on the development of a computer-based Irish Literacy assessment tool in consultation with the Irish Medium sector and a working prototype will be available for trialling in the autumn of this year.

 

Feedback from schools in 2007 has highlighted some areas for development in the assessment tool and this work has already begun.   This includes a substantial increase in the number of questions within the tool.

 

Standardisation of these new questions against a Northern Ireland pupil base involves them being taken by 2000 pupils in Years 2 – 7 (approximately 40 schools) in February 2008.

 

Training for Year 6 teachers will take place in summer 2008.