White Paper on Assessment in

ApprenticeshipsAssociation of Employment and Learning ProvidersLogistics Sector Forum07 October 2014

Sharing some thoughts on assessment

James Morgan,Project Manager,Policy, Assessment, Statistics and Standards

Trailblazer Apprenticeships

• Crucial role of employers in setting standards• Single assessment approach/strategy in each occupation• Contain end-of-learning or synoptic assessment• At least part of the assessment must be graded

What is assessment and what are its purposes?

Assessment is the process of evaluating an apprentice’s attainment of knowledge, understanding and skills.

Assessment is the process of evaluating an apprentice’s attainment of knowledge, understanding and skills.

Assessment is an important learning tool and should

contribute to an apprentice’s learning and progress.

Part of a selection process carried out by employers, further and

higher education.

Assessment is the process of evaluating

an apprentice’s attainment of knowledge,

understanding and skills.

Assessment is an important learning tool and should contribute

to an apprentice’s learning and progress.

Principles of Assessment

An assessment must assess what it is meant to assess.

An assessment must assess what

it is meant to assess.

Numerous apprentices will be assessed to the same standard

across time and locations.

An assessment must assess what

it is meant to assess.

Numerous apprentices will be assessed to the same standard across

time and locations.

Assessments should be designed with recognition of the resources

required.

An assessment must assess

what it is meant to

assess.

Numerous apprentices will be assessed to the same standard across time and

locations.

Assessments should be designed with

recognition of the resources required.

All apprentices must have an fair and equitable chance to

demonstrate their achievement.

Assessment Approach or Strategy

A blueprint for the alignment of assessment with a standard.

A blueprint for the alignment of

assessment with a standard.

Supports the design, delivery and quality assurance of assessment.

A blueprint for the alignment of

assessment with a standard.

Provides sufficient information for consistent assessment but doesn’t

stifle innovation.

Supports the design, delivery and quality assurance of

assessment.

Outlines place of synoptic assessment, resources required,

broad outline of assessment, assessor expertise, etc.

A blueprint for the alignment of

assessment with a standard.

Provides sufficient information for

consistent assessment but

doesn’t stifle innovation.

Supports the design, delivery

and quality assurance of assessment.

Grading

Pass, Merit or Distinction – criteria?

Pass, Merit or Distinction –

criteria?

What would an employer expect to see in employee awarded ‘merit’ or

‘distinction’?

Pass, Merit or Distinction –

criteria?

Attitudes or behaviours; consistent performance; creative approach to

problem solving; thinking holistically beyond the activity ?

What would an employer expect to see in employee awarded

‘merit’ or ‘distinction’?

Pass, Merit or

Distinction – criteria?

Attitudes or behaviours; consistent performance; creative approach to problem

solving; thinking holistically beyond the

activity ?

What would an employer

expect to see in employee

awarded ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’?

What is the relationship between grading and the level above the

qualification at hand?

Further Advice and GuidanceIf you would like a copy of our White Paper on Assessment in Apprenticeships, we would be pleased to talk to you about our assessment services and the advice and guidance we are able to provide in this area.

Trailblazers sectiontel: 0303 333 033email: ukskills@sqa.org.uk