Progress and consistency tool (PaCT) not a test

July 10, 2013

Progress and consistency tool (PaCT) not a test

The progress and consistency tool (PaCT) is not a test, the Ministry of Education reconfirmed today.

The Ministry today demonstrated to the Education and Science Select Committee how the tool works and how it will support teachers and schools.

Rowena Phair, the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary, student achievement, says the tool is a world-leading initiative and initial feedback from teachers and principals has been very positive.

It will be used by teachers, not students and has been developed in response to concerns about consistency. It helps teachers know how their students are progressing and what they might do next to support each student.

Ms Phair says, “National Standards rely on the professional judgment of teachers and PaCT is designed to support teachers to make those judgments. It is being developed with the teaching profession, for the teaching profession.

“It is not a test of any kind. It is a tool teachers have asked for. They wanted more consistency and reliability about the overall judgements they make in reading, writing and mathematics. The tool responds to that need and will support professional teacher judgments.

“Teachers know their students best and the tool is designed to support their professional judgments – it does not replace those judgments.

“PaCT captures progress, increases consistency in judgments and assists with moderation. It provides a consistent achievement story over time for teachers and parents about a child’s progress and achievement.

“Greater consistency will enable principals and teachers to identify where they need to target their teaching and school resources so all children can succeed.

Principals and teachers will also be able to use the tool to help teaching and learning in their schools. PaCT will help identify what professional, learning and development teachers may need.

“Work is being done to ensure that PaCT is approved and available as expected for schools. It is being introduced over 2013/2014 with full implementation in 2015.”

ENDS

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