What is Standardised Testing and What Do The Scores Mean?
If you have a child in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2, you will likely have heard their teacher mention standardised scores. But what do these scores mean? How do I know if they are doing well? And why do they even need to sit these tests in the first place? Let’s break it down.
Why do children sit standardised tests?
Sitting standardised tests in core subjects like English and Maths, gives a clear indicator of how your child is achieving compared to national standards and gives their teacher data showing if they are achieving their potential and where there are gaps in their learning. This allows their teacher to plan for future learning and identify children who need further support.
What tests will my child sit?
In Northern Ireland, there are a range of tests which children sit and these may vary from school to school.
Progress Test in English (PTE) - This is an English attainment test which assesses spelling, grammar, punctuation and reading comprehension. It can be administered on paper or online.
Progress Test in Maths (PTM) - This is a maths attainment test which assesses all areas of numeracy learning. It can be administered on paper or online.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT 4) -This is a test which assesses the main types of reasoning ability. This gives an indicator of a pupil’s potential achievement.
Often a child’s scores on the CAT 4 will be compared with their PTE and PTM scores. This allows teachers to determine whether or not a pupil is working within their ability and is achieving their potential.
CCEA Adaptive Assessments - These are new assessments being rolled out across schools in Northern Ireland to assess literacy and numeracy. As pupils answer questions, the test increases or decreases in difficulty depending on the pupil’s ability, making them more accessible for children with SEN.
Schools may also assess children throughout the year using tests for reading, spelling and maths to give them an idea of how your child is progressing and to ensure their work is appropriately levelled.
How do I understand the scores?
Receiving standardised scores can be confusing for parents to interpret. The first myth we should bust, is that a standardised score is not a percentage. A standardised score is calculated by taking into account a child’s date of birth and their raw score in the test (the number of questions they scored correctly in the test).
<85 - This is considered below the national average.
85 - 115 - This is the range in which 65% of children fall. A score of 100 is considered average.
>115 - This is considered above the national average.
Common Questions
Does my child’s age matter? - Yes. Let’s say for example, a child born in July 2016 and a child born in June 2017, in the same class, score the same raw score. Their standardised score will differ because it takes into account that one child is 11 months younger than the other. The younger child will therefore score a few points higher than the older child.
If my child scores the same score year on year, do this mean they have made no progress? - No. If a child, for example, maintains a score of 100, they are maintaining their position at the national average.
I’m worried about my child’s score, what should I do? - Don’t panic! Talk to your child’s teacher. They will have other information which could be helpful such as other test scores and classroom observations. Together you can put a plan in place for future steps.
Remember…
Your child’s worth is not determined by a standardised test. These tests give an indicator of English and Maths attainment, but they don’t show your child’s creativity, kindness and other beautiful qualities.