Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Supporting schools to assess the progress of pupils with special educational needs, using the P scales

Fergusson, A. (2008) Supporting schools to assess the progress of pupils with special educational needs, using the P scales. Invited Keynote presented to: Connection - Linking Teaching, Language and Learning, Perth, Australia, 17 - 18 March 2008. (Unpublished)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Invited Keynote)
Abstract: Recent research in ten UK education authorities demonstrated excellent practice in assessing the progress of learners with special educational needs, using national performance descriptions (P scales) as part of this process. The shortcomings of national assessment requirements, using a limited attainment scale, previously led to these learners being marginalised; their progress was not acknowledged along with their mainstream peers. Teachers, and indeed parents, were frustrated that the achievements of these pupils were not recognised meaningfully. Until this year, pupil attainment below level 1 (entry attainment level) of our National Curriculum was reported as simply a ‘W’ – meaning ‘working towards level 1’. For some pupils, this meant they would remain at this level ‘W’ for much, if not all, of their school career - regardless of the real progress they had made. Work with special and mainstream schools during the research project led to improved teacher assessment. It identified opportunities for the professional development of school staff, through collaborative working and ultimately, promoted more inclusive practice. For more information see www.pscales.com
Uncontrolled Keywords: Assessment, SEN, special educational needs, UK, England, performance measures
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC3950 Exceptional children and youth. Special education > LC4001 Children and youth with disabilities. Learning disabled children and youth
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB3011 School management and discipline > LB3050 Educational tests, measurements, evaluations and examinations
Creators: Fergusson, Ann
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Special Education Needs and Inclusion
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Special Education Needs and Inclusion
Date: 2008
Date Type: Presentation
Event Title: Connection - Linking Teaching, Language and Learning
Event Dates: 17 - 18 March 2008
Event Location: Perth, Australia
Event Type: Conference
Language: English
Status: Unpublished
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1455

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