Assessing pupil progress

Members are reminded that ASCL and the NAHT, along with the QCDA and DCSF have agreed with the teacher associations a statement about the use of Assessing Pupil Progress (APP).

This statement has also been distributed to local authorities (LAs) and is fully supported by all of the associations whose logos appear on the document. It can be used in any discussions members have with staff or LAs about APP and should support schools in introducing APP or developing it further.

The note provides guidance on preventing excessive and unnecessary workload arising from APP.

APP is designed to support teachers' professional judgements about pupils' progress. It is not statutory but does provide a reference point for teachers in relation to national standards.

The statement makes clear that in the pilot, teachers found that APP takes a while to become familiar with but quickly becomes faster and easier to use, helps improve planning and questioning, and can replace other assessment activities. See www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/3179/DfES-Planning%20Guidance.pdf for the DCSF/QCDA/Ofsted guidance on lesson planning.

School leaders found that the greatest impact was achieved when teachers were supported by an allocation of the necessary time and resources, opportunities were provided for teachers to share experiences in using APP, and staff worked together to develop school assessment policies which make the most of APP.

For a copy of the joint statement, go to www.ascl.org.uk/ASCL_noticeboard/