Issue 5 - Test weeks, maladministration, October conferences
In this issue:
News updates on the NAA website
As you are probably aware, we have recently made some changes to the NAA website. The new website is designed to be easier to use and contains the following sections:
- latest news, including national curriculum test updates
- updates and information for local authority (LA) colleagues
- NAA link messages for local authorities
- NAA link messages for schools
We hope that these changes improve the way you receive information from the NAA. If you have comments on the website, please send them to us at naalink@naa.org.uk.
End of key stage national curriculum tests weeks and maladministration
The end of key stage 2 and 3 test weeks is approaching. While the majority of schools will administer the tests in accordance with the Assessment and reporting arrangements, the NAA would like to ask colleagues to be vigilant and conscious of any potential incidents of maladministration in the tests.
The term 'maladministration' refers to any act that could jeopardise the integrity, security or confidentiality of the tests and lead to test results that do not reflect the unaided work of the pupils. Instances of maladministration in national curriculum tests can refer to a range of errors such as test papers being incorrectly opened, school-reported instances of pupils cheating or allegations of changes made to pupils' test scripts.
The NAA works closely with LAs before, during and after the test period to investigate any allegations of maladministration
Part of the LA's role is to:
- monitor the administration of the tests in 10 per cent of key stage 2 and key stage 3 schools, either before, during or after the test weeks
- report any irregularities in the administration of the tests to the NAA
- investigate where appropriate and on behalf of the NAA any allegations of maladministration in the key stage 2 and key stage 3 tests
- investigate all allegations of maladministration in key stage 1 assessments, seeking advice from the NAA on how to investigate the allegation appropriately and making decisions on changes to results.
Please refer to the NAA website to download the following publications:
- 2008 maladministration procedures (under 'Downloads and links')
- 2008 guidance on post-test investigations into allegations of maladministration
- 2007 maladministration report (under 'Downloads and links')
If you receive any allegations or have any concerns relating to maladministration, please contact the national curriculum tests helpline on 08700 60 60 40 and ask to speak to a member of the Maladministration team. Alternatively please contact us by email maladministration@naa.org.uk or by fax on 020 7509 6990.
NAA test administration conferences
The dates and locations for this year's NAA test administration conferences for LAs are as follows:
- New assessment advisers' conference - Thursday 2 October 2008 – London
- Conference 1 - Friday 3 October 2008 – London
- Conference 2 - Tuesday 7 October 2008 – Manchester
- Conference 3 - Thursday 9 October 2008 – Coventry or Birmingham
- Conference 4 - Friday 10 October 2008 – London
- Conference 5 - Tuesday 14 October 2008 – York
- Conference 6 - Thursday 16 October 2008 – London.
Due to an increase in demand, we will be including two additional conferences in London. As usual, we are holding an event to introduce those new to their role to national curriculum assessment (2 October 2008). All assessment advisers will be invited to the main conferences (1-6 above), which will include: updates on NAA's work, any changes to arrangements for 2009, and opportunities for discussion with colleagues. The main conferences will focus on key stage 2 and 3 in the morning, and key stage 1 and the early year foundation stage after lunch.
Further information and invitations will be sent in June. We would appreciate it if you would note the dates in your diaries.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to email 2009.conferences@naa.org.uk.
As always, NAA's School Support team is available to assist with LA colleagues' queries on all aspects of national curriculum test administration. Please contact the national curriculum tests helpline on 08700 60 60 40 or email naalink@naa.org.uk.
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