Having spent almost two decades assessing students’ needs for examination access arrangements (EAA), waiting at the end of August for the inevitable changes made by JCQ to assessment requirements, forms and deadlines has become like an annual rite of passage!
Keeping abreast of amendments to the newly published AARA document is of course essential and it is always handy to attend an ‘update’ session in early September offered by one of the many accredited CPD providers, but often, especially if you’re new to assessing, as the year opens up, situations emerge which you’re unsure about or where a lack of confidence in your skills and knowledge unsettles you.
So, how about booking in some personal EAA mentoring and Q&A time which can be done over Zoom at a time suited to you? I assess on a postgraduate training course for EAA assessors and often I can either respond to your queries straight away or – in the most challenging of circumstances – go away and find an answer for you! In the past, discussions have tended to centre on the ever-changing ‘evidence requirements’ for the varying special educational needs and disabilities experienced by our students, the suitability of different tests to assess for extra time, the use of technology in exams…but there is always a curve ball in any session which keeps me on my toes!
A package of personalised support can be devised to meet your individual needs as an assessor and the setting in which you are working, but the most common option is to purchase a 2-hour block which can then be split into 2 or 3 sessions over the academic year at times to suit you. The cost of this is ordinarily £130 – but if you contact me using the form below and book before Friday 15th September, you will receive a £10 early-bird discount.
From experience, I know that the role of SENCO or EAA assessor in a school/college can be quite a lonely one, and those with whom I have worked have all said how much they have valued having another professional to check something or discuss their concerns with. So, instead of adding me to your ever-growing September ‘To Do’ list, drop me a quick email now using the contact form below and I will come back to you to discuss how we can work together this year.