Reading age assessments

This article outlines options for tracking reading ages in Arbor, detailing methods such as using User Defined Fields (UDFs), Ad Hoc assessments linked to summative assessments, and stand-alone Ad Hoc assessments. Each method has its pros and cons regarding visibility on marksheets and report cards, as well as the ability to track changes over time. It also provides guidance on permissions needed and setup instructions for each method.

Although there isn't a specialised area in Arbor to manage tracking reading ages, there are a couple of options using our existing assessments functionality. 

Which option should we choose?

The most suitable option will depend on your needs as a school, and whether you want the assessment to appear on all student marksheets.

What permissions are needed?

• School: Assessments: Administer - Set up an Ad Hoc assessment, or add User Defined Fields to marksheets
• General Admin: Administer - Set up User Defined Fields

If you don't have permission, contact your office staff - they can follow this guide to give you the right permission.

Setting it up as a UDF

Follow these instructions to see how to add a UDF, and add in marks: Using User Defined Fields (UDFs)

Once you've added the UDF, go to Students > Assessments > Assessment Framework > Marksheet Settings.

Add the column for Reading age, click Add column(s) then click Save changes.

All teachers will then be able to see the Reading age on marksheets. Please note: This field cannot be edited from the marksheet, only from System > User Defined Fields.

Setting it up as an Ad Hoc assessment

Follow these instructions to see how to add an Ad Hoc assessment: Setting up Ad Hoc Assessments

If you've chosen to use an Ad Hoc assessment linked to a summative assessment, make sure you select the Marking strategy of One mark per course and select the English course.

Teachers and admins will be able to add reading age marks alongside summative assessment marks all on one marksheet.

If you've chosen to use a stand-alone Ad Hoc assessment, make sure you select the Marking strategy of Single mark to record one stand-alone mark for each student not linked to a summative assessment.

You'll need to access the assessment from Students > Assessments > Summative Tracking > Mark Entry > Ad Hoc Marksheet.

Setting it up Summative Assessment linked to a 'Dummy Course'

To begin, you will need to setup a 'Dummy Course' on Arbor, follow these instructions on how to build a new course: Set up a Dummy Course.  You will need to build your Courses, we recommend naming them 'Test Scores' and setting up Year Group courses. Enrol your students into the correct Year Groups. 

Once you have built your courses, follow these instructions to see how to add an Summative assessment: Setting up Summative Assessments

Now you have your courses and Summative Assessments setup.  You will need to add these to the annual policy but link them to the Test Score Dummy Course. 

You will then need to follow these instructions to build a Custom Report and add this to your marksheet templates:  Setting up Marksheet Templates

You will then be able to import or input the Reading Ages into the marksheet by accessing the marksheet via School > Programmes > Courses > Test Scores and then selecting Assessments on the lefthand side. 

Teachers will be able to view the reading age marks alongside summative assessment marks all on one marksheet.