SAT question

[begood]

To get a level 3 in SATs do children sit different papers to level 2 ones, or do they all sit the same paper?

They all sit the same paper. Papers are marked and the level they get depends on the score in almost all cases. In the writing test for English, there are level descriptors which indicate what sort of things a child has to show evidence of in their writing to get a score within a defined range of marks for each element, so there is a degree of flexibility/subjectivity in deciding on the mark for this paper.

Thank you. That is clear now.

Sorry, Vanillacandle, that's completely wrong!

I presume you mean the KS1 tests, op. Don't forget that the level reported will be a teacher assesment, not the test level - many other sources of evidence must be used.

Level 2 children sit a level 2 paper and level 3 children a level 3 paper. The children must not sit both - assessment should be so accurate that the teacher knows exactly which is appropriate.

Children can sit both level 2 and level 3 paper.

The teacher's guide states

"If a child achieves a level 2A in the test, you may enter him or her for the level 3 test. You should use your judgement to decide whether it is appropriate to enter children who have only just been awarded level 2A for the level 3 test"

(This is from a 2007 guide so may have changed in the last few years)

It has changed, a few years ago, too - to fit in with better teacher assessment. From the KS1 ARA 2011: 5.2 How many tasks or tests should be used? "children are not to be tested more than once during the year in each subject or attainment target."

At level 2: Use the level 2 task or the
level 2 test.
Reading - Teachers may decide that
different children will benefit
from different approaches.
For example, the task might
be more appropriate than the
test for children working at
the lower end of level 2.
Mathematics: Use the level 2 test.

At level 3:
Reading- Use the level 3 test.
No need to use the level 2
task or test if level 3 is not
achieved.
Mathematics: Use the level 3 test.
No need to use the level 2
test if level 3 is not achieved.

Sorry to hijack thread but does this follow through to Year 6 sats - is there a level 3, 4, and 5 test? I've just bought Key Stage 2 SATS papers to help DD and want to make sure that I've got her the right set.

The KS2 test is level 3-5
www.emaths.co.uk/SAT%20PAPERS/KS2%20SAT%20Papers/KS2%20Mathematics/Mathematics%20KS2%20SAT%202009/KS2%20SAT%202009%20Mathematics%20Paper%20A.pdf

madamehooch - DON"T DO SATS PRAXTICE AT HOME!

Sats are a test of the school and the teacheing - the results make very little difference to the child, but they do make a huge difference to the school!

And they usually do loads of practice at school - go and get your money back for the papers you bought!

Thanks mrz. seeker - I see your point; however, DD has asked for them - she is a bright little button but is already starting to panic under test conditions. I certainly don't intend to do 'mock SATS' at home - just look at the papers together to show her that she is able to answer them.

I agree with seeker about practise at home and it is unlikely that the school won't do at least one old paper so the children know what to expect.