Computer based assessment – half term update
Friday 26 October 2012
During the autumn term primary schools across Northern Ireland have been undertaking Computer Based Assessments in numeracy (NINA) and literacy (NILA).
For many schools completion of the assessments has gone smoothly and we thank those teachers and pupils who have taken time to provide positive feedback to us.
CCEA is also very aware that many schools have experienced varying degrees of difficulty in completing assessments. It is testimony to the dedication and professionalism of Northern Ireland’s primary school teachers that, going into the half term break, we are actually at a more advanced stage of test completion than we were at this time last year under the InCAS system.
However, it is very disappointing that so many schools have been adversely affected, and it is of particular concern that we have had reports of pupils having bad experiences. This should not have been the case and we regret any difficulties this has caused.
CCEA continues to carry out detailed and urgent work with our partners in C2K and the assessment providers to resolve the issues identified.
Below is the most up to date position on progress.
At 25 October 128,054 literacy and numeracy assessments had been completed:
- NINA – Underway in 718 schools with 63,540 pupils completed the assessments;
- NILA – Underway in 732 schools with 64,514 pupils completed the assessments.
Over 20,000 assessments were completed during the week leading up to half term.
Time taken to complete assessments
Records provided by our assessment providers indicate that the average times taken for the assessments have been:
- 36 minutes to complete the literacy assessment (NILA)
- 15-20 minutes to complete each of the 2 sections of the numeracy assessment (NINA).
