QSA Focus — Issue 15: 12 April 2011
Make QCATs part of your curriculum planning in 2011
Preparation is the key to successfully implementing Queensland Comparable Assessment Tasks (QCATs) in your school — and there are plenty of resources to help teachers get the most value from them.
Resources
QCATs are not standardised tests but assessment for learning tasks that support the gathering of information about student achievement to improve teaching and learning in the classroom. These ‘ready-made’ quality-assured assessments encourage students’ higher order and critical thinking and can replace an assessment item you may have planned to develop.
To help incorporate QCATs into teaching and assessment planning, the following new resources are available on the QSA website:
- 2011 QCATs information statement
- frequently asked questions
- preparation documents outlining suggested learning experiences and resources
- inclusive strategies for implementing QCATs
- three short videos on various aspects of QCATs including timelines, making judgments, moderation, calibration and using feedback.
In addition, workshops across the state in June offer hands-on support. Around the same time, an online forum will be available via the QSA website to facilitate professional discussions and problem-solving.
Aligning to curriculum
QCATs are sent to all schools. They are administered in Term 3 and provide evidence for teachers, students and parents of what students know, understand and can do in relation to selected Essential Learnings for English, Mathematics and Science in Years 4, 6 and 9.
This year the same selection of Essential Learnings as in 2010 will be assessed, although connections to the Australian Curriculum will also be apparent. From 2012, QCATs will align to the Australian Curriculum.
Moderating student work
Moderation processes within and across schools are essential for making consistent judgments about the quality of student work. Survey data indicates that because of this fact many teachers have found QCATs moderation processes to be useful professional development. Professional conversations with colleagues will lead to improved understanding of standards as well as benefiting general assessment knowledge.
For more information email qcats.administrator@qsa.qld.edu.au.