Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd
Supporting Schools in Assessment: Standardised Testing
In Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd , a range of methods are used to place assessment as an integral part
of teaching and learning and these include:
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Self-assessment
Conferencing
Portfolio assessment
Concept mapping
Questioning Teacher observation
Teacher designed tasks and tests
Standardised testing
In Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd places standardised testing within the broader context of assessment.
The Standardised Tests used in Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd are:
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EYES: Early Years Easy Screening
Bellfield Infant Assessment Programme
Middle Infant Screening Test MIST
NRIT
Sigma T
Micra T
Junior Infants
Junior Infants
Senior Infants
2nd Class
1st – 6th Class
The Class Teacher administers the tests. Class teachers and LS/Resource teachers score the test and
imput data on to relevant PC in both Ionad and Chlochair and Ionad Chúimín. Mentoring new
teachers will be supported by the Principal and Class teacher.
Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd uses tests appropriate for all our children.
There are a range of support facilities within the school to support childrens’ learning and
development:
Reading and Spelling Assessment
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Micra T Standardised Reading Tests
Drumcondra Primary Spelling Test
Jacksons Phonics Test
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The Dolch Basic Sight Word Assessment
The Marino Graded Spelling Assessment
The Schonell Spelling Assessment
The Schonell Reading Assessment
Daniell & Diack Spelling Assessment
Cloze Reading Test
The Neale Analysis of Reading Ability
Screening Tests
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MIST - Middle Infant Screening Test for Senior Infants
EYES - Early Years Easy Screening for Junior Infants
The Bangor Dyslexia Test
Quest
Other
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Sigma T – Standardised Maths Assessment
Non Reading Intelligent Test (NRIT)
Non Verbal Intelligent Test (NVRT)
Primary School Assessment Kit
Assessments are used to inform teachers and parents of child’s progress and needs.
Children may be exempted from standardised testing on grounds of the appropriateness of the test.
This decision is made by LSRT, Prinicpal and class teacher in consultation with parents and outside
bodies as appropriate. A test may be read or another appropriate test administered to ensure
continued up to date assessment information.
The Principal, Class teachers, present and future teachers, Resource and Learning Support teachers
and outside professional bodies are involved in the interpretation of Standardised testing. This is
facilitated by each teacher having a copy of the score sheet and another copy to be left in the office
filing cabinet in both buildings.
In Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd, the class teacher transfers test information at the end of June to the
next teacher and also to the Learning Support and Resource teachers if applicable. A copy of the
score sheet should be place in the central test ‘bank’ in the office and inputted into the Micra T and
Sigma T programme in the Resource Room.
Standardised tests are interpreted at whole class level using class score sheet
Standardised tests are interpreted at individual level using score sheet of the individual child and
placing it into their personal file.
We are using the MICRA and SIGMA tracking C.D. Rom which is downloaded on to PC in Resource
room in Ionad Chúimín.
In Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Árd a period of six months must be adhered to before another
standardised test be administered to a child. An I.E.P. or structured educational plan based on the
needs of the child should be drawn up by all professional bodies (teacher, Principal, Resource and
Learning Support teacher or professional bodies) to provide a system for reviewing progress in
target areas over time. It is school policy that IEP’s are required for all pupils attending LS or
Resource.
In Scoil Náisiúnta Úachtar Ard each class teacher records and keeps a record of her own teacher
designed tests and other assessment methods in use. Class teacher also keeps a copy of
standardised test results The Learning Support and Resource teachers their own screening tests
and keep them on file. All standardised tests results are stored together in a ‘bank’ in the central
location of the filing cabinet in the office in both buildings. Therefore, as a child’s results in each
class are stored together one can easily track their results over time.
As recommended in Circular 0138/2006 results of standardised tests in English reading and
Mathematics administered to children at the end of 1st Class or the beginning of 2nd class, and at
the end of 4th Class or the beginning of 5th Class will be included in Report Cards at the end of the
year. The results of standardised tests at these two levels will also be communicated to parents
verbally at the Parent/Teacher meetings usually during Term 1. Age based scores are to be used
with reference to class based scores if child is older than classmates or has repeated a year.
As discussed by staff and recommended by the NCCA the Sten Score will be communicated to
parents.
Standardised testing will take place in late September/early October.
The last standardised test completed b y a pupil is kept on their file in the office. Class results of
standardised tests are held in the school until pupils have reached 21 years.