National curriculum KS2 tests seemed "more challenging than sample materials”
An evaluation of the Standards and Testing Agency’s (STA) approach to developing key stage 2 reading and maths tests has been published by Ofqual.
The report looks at the STA’s approach to ensuring the effective coverage of the knowledge, skills and understanding set out in the new English reading and maths curriculum.
According to Ofqual, STA’s approach is robust and compares 'favourably' to approaches taken in similar tests internationally, while acknowledging that there are aspects of maths and reading that cannot straightforwardly be tested.
However, a review of evidence relating to the accessibility of the 2016 key stage 2 reading test, which acknowledges concerns raised by teachers, states that “while standards were set appropriately in 2016, the review suggests that the test seemed to be more challenging than the sample materials provided”.
In addition, it states that “a significant minority of pupils did not finish the test”.
The 2017 reading test did not raise similar accessibility concerns, nevertheless, the review suggests areas that could benefit from further consideration by STA.
Dr Michelle Meadows, deputy chief regulator, said: “We are reassured that STA’s approach to sampling from the national curriculum is robust. We have identified specific questions that we will continue to discuss with the STA, to help them to enhance the validity of the reading and maths tests, over time, for all pupils.”
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