02 May 2008

Improvements to the quality of marking of key stage 2 and 3 following a pilot by the test marking contractor, ETS Europe, are announced by the National Assessment Agency. 

To ensure that markers put into practice what they have been taught during their training, all markers will be required to pass an online standardisation exercise.  Only those markers who pass this standardisation exercise will be allocated test scripts.  Previously, the standard of a marker's work was checked twice during the marking period, in 2008 this will be increased to up to five marking checks.  These processes will ensure that marking is completed to the required national standard. 

All markers will record pupils' marks electronically, thereby reducing clerical errors and providing national data on the responses of pupils to each test question.  This national data will be useful for schools when planning teaching and learning strategies.  The data will be available from the DCSF Key to success website shortly after test results are returned to schools.  In addition, the process for awarding levels from the raw scores will be electronic thereby further reducing human clerical error in aggregating test level outcomes. 

The improvements in quality checking in 2008 means that the process of checking test scripts that fall close to level thresholds, known as borderlining, is no longer necessary. Key stage 3 English results will be returned to schools at the same time as key stage 3 mathematics and science. The marking review procedure remains in place for schools who feel a review of marking is necessary.    

Notes to editors 

1. As in 2007, in 2008 schools will be able to access an electronic record of all their key stage test results in English, mathematics and science (including key stage 3 English, where applicable).  NAA's contractor, ETS Europe will contact schools when results are available.

2. ETS Europe will send original scripts and a hard copy of results to schools by 8 July 2008.

3. In order to simplify the administrative process for schools, all scripts will be returned in a single consignment.

4. For further information please contact NAA's Press Office on 020 7509 6789 or out of hours 07798 924552.
 

 

Go Back