In response to sector feedback, we have compiled a list of
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
regarding the Progress and Consistency Tool. We will continue to add to these as further questions arise.
Project Background
A progress and consistency tool is being developed to support teachers’ professional judgments in relation to the National Standards, and to improve the measurement of learner progress over time.
New Zealand’s National Standards have been designed with assessment validity at the forefront. In particular, there is an emphasis on teachers basing judgments of learners’ achievement against the standards on a wide range of evidence. Drawing on a diverse evidence base is expected to give much greater validity to teachers’ judgments than an approach based on a national test; however it will take time and appropriate support for this approach to achieve a high level of consistency across the system.
To reach an overall judgment of learners’ achievement against the National Standards, teachers must integrate evidence of each learner’s performance from a variety of sources, including classroom observations, teaching and learning conversations, and tests such as asTTle and Progressive Achievement Tests.
The progress and consistency tool is intended to support teachers’ overall judgments and assist with increasing the consistency of judgments across the country and across time periods. The tool is based on the same principles as the standards themselves, requiring a variety of evidence of learner achievement as the basis for overall judgments, and will enhance the ability to track learners’ progress in relation to the National Standards. It is intended that the primary source of evidence informing judgments will be teachers’ observations, with test information being used as a mechanism for self-moderation.
Further background on PaCT was published in the 25 October 2011 edition of the New Zealand Education Gazette. Download the article here:
Background on the PaCT tool from Education Gazette, October 2011
(PDF 515 KB)
Collaboration with the Sector
The PaCT tool is being developed in consultation with the sector, and will be trialled within schools. The project has established a Teacher Advisory Group, comprised of teachers and principals, to provide advice to the project team regarding the development of PaCT.
The development is being undertaken by a number of external providers, drawing on the specialist expertise of various curriculum, psychometric, and technology groups. Each group is actively working with the sector in developing and testing the tool in regard to these areas. The project expects to engage and seek feedback from schools in over 500 interactions throughout the development process.
Timeframes
PaCT is being developed to be ready for the 2014 academic year. To ensure PaCT meets the requirements of the sector, and that the quality of the underlying rubrics is achieved, a number of trials will be undertaken. A summary of these follows.
- Term 4 2012 - trialling of the mathematics rubrics
- Term 1 2013 - trialling of reading and writing
- Term 2 2013 - national trial for mathematics commences
- Term 4 2013 - national trial for reading and writing commences
We will use this site to provide further updates and keep you informed of progress regarding PaCT’s development.
If a school is interested in being involved in any of the trialling or testing of PaCT, please contact your regional Senior Advisor.
