Assessment and Reporting Issues in Middle School

1. Assessment and Reporting Issues in Middle School Orientation and Information Day for Parents/ Home Tutors

2. Overview of Middle School • Spans the Year levels of Years 6 -9 • Four Curriculum Heads of Department • HOD English and Year 7 – Ian McIntyre • HOD Mathematics and Year 6 – Glen Watt • HOD Science / HPE /Home Ec – Ross Braysher • HOD SOSE and the Arts – Angela White

3. Assessment and Reporting in Middle School Assessment and Reporting practices within the Middle School are aligned to the QCAR Framework • Essential Learnings- clear statements of what should be taught in Queensland schools from Year 1 – Year 9 • Common Assessment Tasks- introducing state wide assessment that allows students to demonstrate their breadth and depth of understanding of a selection of Essential Learnings from Years 4, 6 and 9. • Standards- setting consistent standards of student achievement in the ‘essentials’ from Year 1 – Year 9. • Reporting- providing student reports that are easy to understand using achievement standards. This will provide students and parents with summary information of astudent’s achievement twice yearly.

4. Assessment and Reporting are integrated within teaching and learning • In the Middle School programs students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate their skills and abilities at all stages of the learning journey. • There are aspects of diagnostic assessment (used to guide the learning process) and formal assessments in the form of tests and assignments. • Each piece of assessment provides information on student ability and achievement and can be used in determining final achievement for reporting purposes. • It is for this reason that is important that each student engage fully with the course as outlined in the Work Rate Calendar that is provided for each subject.

5. Work Rate Calendar • These provided for each subject across Year 6-9 • They outline the work to be completed • They outline the work to be submitted • They outline when to submit work • They indicate when formal “Tests” are conducted • They are a planning guide for assessment

6. Let’s Look at a Work Rate Calendar WRC Lets look at a work rate calendar to identify these features. The Work Rate Calendars provide a guide to planning for assessment.

7. Implementing Assessment • What are the Policies with regard to assessment that relate to the Middle School? • Supervision of Assessment – a parent / home tutor can undertake supervision of BSDE tests. They can also supervise QCAT Task. NAPLAN can only be supervised by parent with special approval

8. Implementing Assessment cont. • Applications for Extension to due dates for assessment tasks should be made through the relevant HOD prior to the due date for the task. Medical certification may be requested. • In emergent situations where it becomes apparent that a student is unable to undertake an assessment on the due date negotiation should take place with the Head of School. • Students should communicate concerns/ questions relating to assessment to their teacher

9. Reporting in the Middle School • Formal reporting at end of each semester • Parent –teacher interviews conducted twice per year – 15th April is the first Parent Teacher Interview Day • Reporting on Achievement, Effort and Behaviour on an A-E scale • Reporting on Achievement based on work that has been received and marked by teacher at the time of reporting. Important that work is submitted by required due date to be included for consideration in report. In cases where there is insufficient information on which to make a valid assessment a N result is provided.

10. Reporting continued. • Reporting on Effort and Behaviour based on teacher observation / interaction using indicators such as: engagement with the program, work return records, student –teacher contact records, interaction during scheduled lessons and other communications. • In some cases (eg. overseas enrolments) limited opportunities for an assessment to be made. A “C” Satisfactory is provided in cases where teacher has not had sufficient opportunities to make another determination.

11. NAPLAN Assessment • National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy • Testing of Year 7 and 9 students • Conducted in May (11th -13th) • Supervised tests – conducted at BSDE or family can nominate to attend a local school • Middle School priority is preparing students for NAPLAN in all year levels

12. QCAT Assessment Tasks • Part of the QCAR Assessment Framework • Involve students in Year 6 and 9 • Assessment Tasks that are undertaken under home supervision with support • Implemented during the period:beginning of Term 3 – Week 4 of Term 4 • Tasks in English, Mathematics and Science.

13. Maximising Student Achievement How to Assist Your ChildOrganisational Skills • The most significant factors that contribute to success in a distance mode of learning are: GOOD ORGANISATION and GOOD COMMUNICATION • Helping your child become organised.

14. Good Communication • Encourage good communication between your child and their teacher(s) • Participation in scheduled lessons • Participation in tutorial sessions • Contact with teacher by phone or e-mail • Seeking assistance with issues before they become problems • Parent / Home Tutor contact with teacher, Head of Department (curriculum issues), Guidance Officer (course related issues / social / emotional issues) and Head of School (other issues)