When to use an alternative assessment system for Cognition and Learning?

Emma Pye on Sep 27, 2023 • 2 answer
• 0
We are struggling with the answer to this. We have told our SENDCO's that when children are assessed as 'below ARE' they need to be tracking them on an alternative tracking system such as BSquared or PIVATS to ensure that they can show progress. The question is at what point does a child become below as opposed to 'working towards'. We seem to have a difference in opinion on this one. Some are saying 'below' is a year behind as the children have fallen out of their chronological age expectations others are saying 2 years and others when they can no longer access an adapted curriculum and need 'additional to and different from' as per the CoP. Its making my head hurt. Would love your views.

Answers

In my humble opinion, this is as much a philosophical question as a practical one. Personally, I would say a child who is any more than one year behind their chronological age is ‘working below’. It would be the unrealistic to expect a child to be ‘working towards’ a target that is more than a year in advance of where they should be.

Hope that helps,
Philippa

Philippa on Sep 28, 2023
• 0

In all cases the choice to use an alternative assessment system should be based on a through understanding of the individuals or groups needs, goals and the specific context of the assessment. Its important to design and implement alternative assessment carefully, ensuring that they are valid reliable and aligned with the intended learning outcome. Additionally, accommodations and supports may need to be provided to ensure a fair assessment process for all learners.

janice.moghadam@sky.com on Sep 28, 2023
• 0