a guide for trainee teachersNational skills tests:

September 1999

Contents Page No.

Foreword by Estelle Morris, Minister for School Standards 3

Introduction 5

The numeracy skills test :

Purpose and content 6

Who takes the test and when 7

Sources of further information 9

Questions and answers for trainee teachers qualifying from 1 May 2000 to 30 April 2001 10

(Also see index of questions on inside back cover)

Questions and answers for trainee teachers qualifying from 1 May 2001 18

(Also see index of questions on inside back cover)

Flow chart for the numeracy skills test 20

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F o re w o rdThere are over 50,000* talented people currently engaged in initial teacher training. You, and others like you, will be taking the exciting challenge of teaching our young people forward into the next millennium. As part of the teaching profession, you will be instrumental in raising standards of teaching and learning in our schoolsand in contributing to the changes needed to extend opportunity for young people and the wider community.

As a Government, we are determined to play our part in raising the skills levels of the teaching profession. That is why we proposed, in the Green Paper ‘Teachers: meeting the challenge of change’, the introduction of nationalskills tests for all trainee teachers in numeracy, literacy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

There has been an overwhelmingly favourable response to this proposal and the Teacher Training Agency (TTA)has been asked to take forward the development of the tests. The numeracy skills test will be the first to beimplemented and all three tests will be operational from 2001. I believe that the skills tests will raise further yourown professional standing and the profile of teachers and teaching.

Thank you for your commitment in undertaking teacher training. I wish you well as youjoin other first-rate teachers in giving our children the best possible start, ensuring thatthey develop a thirst for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Estelle Morris Minister for School Standards* Source: Teacher Training Agency (TTA). Figures for 1998/1999 academic year.

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Estelle Morris

I n t ro d u c t i o nNational skills tests in numeracy, literacy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will beintroduced for all trainee teachers* from 2001. Transitional arrangements will be in operation for trainee teachersexpecting to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001. They will need only topass the numeracy test, as well as meeting the requirements for the induction year, before continuing to teach ina maintained school or non-maintained special school. This guide sets out the arrangements for the numeracytest in summer 2000 and gives some details about the format of the test itself.

Trainee teachers who complete their training from 1 May 2001 will need to take and pass tests in all three skillsareas – numeracy, literacy and ICT – before they gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and take up a post in amaintained or non-maintained special school. Detailed guidance will be issued next year for trainees in thiscategory (but please also see questions and answers on page 18).

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* “All trainees teachers” should be taken to mean all initial teacher training trainees seeking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, including those participating in School Centred Initial Teacher Training, the Licensed Teachers’ Scheme, the Graduate Teacher Programme and the Registered Teacher pro g r a m m e

The numeracy skills test

Purpose and contentThe purpose of the numeracy test is to ensure that everyone qualifying to teach has a thorough grounding in the use of numeracy in the wider context of their professional role as a teacher.

The content of the numeracy skills test will include:

Mental arithmetic and general arithmetic – to show that you are able to calculate quickly in everyday situations;that you can swiftly and accurately assess evidence from OFSTED or re s e a rch reports and apply the re s u l t s ;and handle proportions and percentages relating to a class or school;

Handling and using statistical information – to show that you are able to understand, interpret and apply nationaland school data for target-setting and benchmarking and to understand and use graphs and other diagrams;

Practical applications of measurement and basic algebra – to show your ability to interpret, use, apply and convert measures (for example distance, temperature, weight, currency) which might be used in a numberof school-based situations.

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Who takes the test and when?Next year (2000) will be a transitional year for the tests. Only the numeracy test will be operational in 2000 and it will take the form of a paper-based test. Those of you who are seeking to gain Qualified Teacher Status(QTS) between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001 inclusive will come under these transitional arrangements.

All of you completing your training between these dates will take the numeracy test paper at 11am on Thursday 1 June 2000. If unsuccessful, you will need to take another test at 11am on Wednesday 26 July 2000. If, for exceptional reasons you miss the 1 June test, you can still take the test on 26 July.If you are unsuccessful on 26 July, but successfully gain QTS, you can still take up a teaching post and enter your induction year. However, you must take the computer-based numeracy test when it becomes available from February 2001 and must have passed the test by the end of your induction period to continue to teach in a maintained school or a non-maintained special school.

If you have not passed the test by the end of your induction period but have met all the other inductionrequirements you can continue to take the test but will not be able to have your registration with the GeneralTeaching Council confirmed or teach in a maintained school or non-maintained special school until you havepassed the test.

The flow chart on page 20 and the questions and answers on pages 10 to 17 give you more detail on the arrangements for the test.

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w w w.t e a c h - t t a. g

S o u rces of further informationWe hope that this information and the questions and answers which follow are helpful in giving you some initialinformation about the tests.

However, as the tests are developed, further information, advice and support will be available through:

Teacher Training Agency website www.teach-tta.gov.uk

Teacher Training Agency publications Tel: 0845 606 0323

Teaching Information Line Tel: 01245 454 454

Fax: 01245 261668

E-mail: teaching@ttainfo.demon.co.uk

We will also keep your ITT providers in touch with developments so that they can keep you informed about test arrangements.

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. g o v. u k

Questions and Answers

National skills tests: trainee teachers qualifying from 1 May 2000

to 30 April 2001

1) W h e re do I take the numeracy test?Venues are not yet finalised for the test on 1 June 2000. However, if it is not possible to use your trainingprovider’s* p remises for the tests, we will work closely with them to ensure that venues are as convenient aspossible. Your training p rovider will let you know about final arrangements early in 2000. We are also consultingp roviders on the most helpful way of running the July paper-based test, to ensure that trainees do not have agreat distance to travel.

From February 2001, the numeracy test (and literacy and ICT tests) will be computer-based. This will giveflexibility for those of you who need to re-take the numeracy test in your induction year to fit the test around yourschool commitments and other studies. There will be dedicated computers for the tests at ITT providers and atother locations. You will be able to pre-book test dates and times to suit you via e-mail. Details of all agreed testsites will be made available.

* Training providers should be taken to mean ITT Providers, School Centred Initial Teacher Training and Recommending Bodies. If you are on the Graduate andR e g i s t e red Teacher Programmes the Recommending Body is the school, Institute of Higher Education or local education authority responsible for your training.

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2) Why have 1 June and 26 July been chosen for the paper- b a s e dnumeracy test?After consulting a number of ITT providers, we decided that, while no single date will be convenient for everyone,the paper-based numeracy test should be held during the summer half-term to avoid potential clashes with anyschool placements which had been arranged.

It is essential that there is sufficient time between the first and second dates to mark the test, despatch theresults and to give those of you who need to re-sit the test sufficient time to pre p a re for it. The paper-based testswill be computer-marked at an external location.

We hope that this early notification will help you plan your attendance well in advance.

3) Do these tests replace the current re q u i rement for mathematicsGCSE ‘C’ or equivalent?No. This remains an entry requirement for initial teacher training (ITT) and demonstrates that all entrants havereached a particular standard in mathematics as a whole. The numeracy test will be more specific and generallybe set in a context relevant to your professional role as a teacher.

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4) I am training to be a teacher of mathematics. Do I still have totake the numeracy test to qualify?Yes. The test will not be designed to duplicate the assessment of your expertise in your chosen subject areaand must be taken by all trainees, irrespective of subject or phase.

5) The subject in which I am training does not re q u i re me to teachn u m e r a c y. Why do I have to take the test?The test will assess the use of numeracy in the wider context of your professional role as a teacher. There is anincreasing need for all teachers, whatever their subject, to interpret and use statistical information, calculatebudgets, and interpret and apply national and school data.

6) How long will the test last?We estimate that the paper-based numeracy test will last between 30 and 45 minutes. It will cover areas of generalarithmetic, practical applications of measurement, basic algebra and handling and using statistical information.As part of the paper-based numeracy test, there will also be a short audio test of mental arithmetic.

We expect that the computer-based test, which will be available from February 2001, will last a similar length of time.

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7) Can I use a calculator for the numeracy test?Yes, except for questions testing mental arithmetic. For the computer-based test, we expect that therewill be a calculator facility on screen which will be made available after the mental arithmetic section.

8) Who will set the questions for the test?The TTA in conjunction with specially contracted experts in this field. The questions will be extensively tested and piloted before the introduction of the tests.

9) Will the numeracy tests in June and July 2000 have the sameq u e s t i o n s ?No. And when the computer-based test is introduced in February 2001, you will get a different test each time you access the system.

1 0) What is the pass mark for the paper-based numeracy test?The tests are not yet fully developed. No decision on the pass mark will be taken until the tests have beenextensively piloted to ensure that the pass mark is set at an appropriate level.

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1 1) When do I get my re s u l t s ?The results for the paper-based numeracy test on 1 June 2000 will be sent to providers within 4 weeks of you taking the test. We will aim for a similar turn around of results for the 26 July test.

The computer-based test will provide immediate, on screen feedback of test results.

1 2) Will my marks for the test be published?Individual marks will not be given. The test will be pass/fail only.

13) Will there be any other specific support as I prepare for the tests?Support materials will be developed to help you to prepare for the test, at no charge to yourself or your ITTprovider. We will liaise with ITT providers on the best ways in which these materials can be made available to you and will keep your provider updated on arrangements. They will be ready in February 2000 and willinclude web-based resources. You will also want to use other commercially available resources to help you prepare for the tests.

Further support materials will be developed in readiness for the computer-based delivery of the numeracy testwhich will be available from February 2001. Any instructions needed to operate the computer-based test itselfwill also be provided.

ITT providers will ensure that arrangements are put in place to meet the requirements of any trainees whonormally require special arrangements (for example because of a specific disability).

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1 4) Will I be able to see sample questions? Sample questions will be made available in February 2000 so that you can work through examples andfamiliarise yourself with the types of questions and areas of numeracy that will be covered in the test.

1 5) What if I don’t pass the numeracy test in June or July 2000?If you are seeking to qualify between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001 and are not successful in either of thepaper-based tests but you have passed the course requirements, you will still be awarded QTS and you canbegin your induction period. You will be able to re-take the test a number of times during your induction period,using the computer-based version which will be available from February 2001. However, you will have to passthe numeracy test before the end of your induction period for your registration with the General Te a c h i n g Councilto be confirmed so that you can continue teaching in a maintained school or a non-maintained special school.

If you have not passed the numeracy test by the end of your induction period, but have met all the otherinduction requirements, you will be able to continue retaking the test. But you will not be able to have yourregistration with the General Teaching Council confirmed to teach in a maintained school or a non-maintainedspecial school until you have passed the test.

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1 6) What if my school won’t employ me if I fail the paper-based test?If you complete your initial teacher training between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001, there is no reason for youremployment to be affected. You will have gained QTS and can therefore enter your induction period whether or not you have passed the numeracy test.

We will be providing information about the tests to all LEAs and schools, which will make clear the status of teacherswho are in their induction period but who were not successful in the paper-based numeracy test before entry.

1 7) Will my school have the right to know the number of times it took me to pass the test?There will be no requirement for you to share this information with them.

1 8) If I don’t pass the paper-based tests and have to take thec o m p u t e r-based numeracy test from February 2001, does thismean that I have also to take the literacy and the ICT tests?No. Only those completing their training from 1 May 2001 will have to take tests in all three skill areas.

Some early information for trainees completingtheir training from 1 May 2001

1) What test do I have to take and when?All trainees who qualify from 1 May 2001 onwards will have to pass tests in the three skills areas of numeracy,literacy and ICT before they can be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and begin their induction. Thesetests will be extensively piloted before introduction. The TTA will be sending a further guidance booklet to youwell before the tests are introduced and support materials will be developed.

2) What if I do not pass all three tests before the end of my training?You will be able to start taking these computer-based tests from February 2001, so there will be plenty ofo p p o r t u n i t y for you to take them at a time and in an order which suits you and your studies in order to succeed.Should your training end before you have succeeded in all 3 tests, you will be able to resit the tests. However,you will not be able to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and begin your induction until you have passed allthe tests.

3) Can I take the paper-based numeracy test which is being run on 1 June 2000?This test is only for those trainees qualifying between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001. You will get everyopportunity to access the computer-based tests from February 2001.

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COMPLETE INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING BETWEEN 1 MAY 2000 AND 30 APRIL 2001

SIT PAPER-BASED NUMERACY TEST THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2000

N O*

N O

N O

Y E S

Y E S

Y E S

N O

N O

N O

Y E S

Y E S

Y E S

GAIN QTS AS LONG AS ALL STANDARDS FOR AWARD OF QTS ARE MET

GAIN QTS AS LONG AS ALL STANDARDS FOR AWARD OF QTS ARE MET

S U C C E S S F U L ?

S U C C E S S F U L ?

SIT PAPER-BASED NUMERACY TEST WEDNESDAY 26 JULY 2000

ENTER INDUCTION PERIOD - BUT RE-SIT NUMERACY TEST** DURING INDUCTION PERIOD

HAVE ALL OTHER INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS BEEN MET?

HAVE ALL OTHER INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS BEEN MET? SUCCESSFUL AT NUMERACY TEST BY THE END OF INDUCTION?

ENTER INDUCTION PERIOD

CONTINUE TEACHING. REGISTRATION WITHGENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL CONFIRMED

UNABLE TO CONFIRM REGISTRATION WITH GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL.NOT ABLE TO TAKE UP A TEACHING POST IN A MAINTAINED SCHOOL ORNON-MAINTAINED SPECIAL SCHOOL

CONTINUE RE-TAKING TEST BUT UNABLE TO CONFIRMR E G I S T R ATION WITH THE GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL ORTAKE UP A TEACHING POST IN A MAINTAINED SCHOOL ORN O N - M A I N TAINED SPECIAL SCHOOL UNTIL TEST IS PA S S E D

*For exceptional reasons some candidates may be unable to sit the test on Thursday 1 June 2000. In addition, if trainees completing initial teacher trainingafter 1 May 2000 are unsuccessful in the first test then they will be able to take the test on Wednesday 26 July 2000

**Tests will be computer-based from February 2001 and can be taken at numerous sites around the country.

The numeracy skills test

Index of questionsNational skills tests: Trainee teachers qualifying from 1 May 2000 to 30 April 2001

1) Where do I take the numeracy test? (page 11)

2) Why have 1 June and 26 July been chosen for the paper-based numeracy test? (page 12)

3) Do these tests replace the current requirement for mathematics GCSE ‘C’ or equivalent? (page 12)

4) I am training to be a teacher of mathematics. Do I stillhave to take the numeracy test to qualify? (page 1 3)

5) The subject in which I am training does not require me toteach numeracy. Why do I have to take the test? (page 1 3)

6) How long will the test last? (page 1 3)

7) Can I use a calculator for the numeracy test? (page 14)

8) Who will set the questions for the test? (page 14)

9) Will the numeracy tests in June and July 2000 have the same questions? (page 14)

10) What is the pass mark for the paper-based numeracy test? (page 14)

11) When do I get my results? (page 15)

12) Will my marks for the test be published? (page 15)

13) Will there be any other specific support as I preparefor the tests? (page 15)

14) Will I be able to see sample questions? (page 16)

15) What if I don’t pass the numeracy test in June or July2000? (page 16)

16) What if my school won’t employ me if I fail the paper-based test? (page 17)

17) Will my school have the right to know the number of times it took me to pass the test? (page 17)

18) If I don’t pass the paper-based tests and have to take thec o m p u t e r-based numeracy test from February 2001, doesthis mean that I have also to take the literacy and the ICTtests? (page 17)

Some early information for trainee teachers completing theirtraining from 1 May 2001

1) What test do I have to take and when? (page 18)

2) What if I do not pass all three tests before the end of mytraining? (page 18)

3) Can I take the paper-based numeracy test which is beingrun on 1 June 2000? (page 18)

Teacher Training AgencyPortland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5TTwww.teach-tta.gov.uk

Publications Line 0845 606 0323Publication number 79/9-99

No one forgets a good teacher