Year 6 computer skills assessment suspended

By Jennifer Leete

Primary schools have recently been informed that the year 6 Computing Skills Assessment (CSA6) has been suspended for 2005 and that the Assessment will be "reconfigured" for 2006 and beyond.

The CSA6 was implemented as a statewide online practical test for the first time in 2005.

Members had concerns about the assessment and Federation expressed these concerns, including huge technical problems, literacy demands of the test items and organisational problems running the test, to the Department of Education and Training.

A Department of Education and Training Memorandum to Principals on May 2 states in part:

"Several evaluations of the CSA6 have concluded that this testing program has produced improved learning outcomes and increased student interest. However, the administration of the online practical component experienced technical difficulties in the delivery over the internet.

"From 2005, the practical component of the CSA6 will be discontinued. However, for 2005 only, the 2004 CSA6 practical test will be issued to schools during Term 2 as part of an electronic computer skills assessment package to be used locally. The on-demand package will assist teachers to assess student information communication technology skills. The package will provide teachers with a class summary report as well as provide students and parents with detailed certificates of student achievement.

"During 2005, the CSA6 will be redeveloped along the lines recommended by the consultation groups ready for its reintroduction to primary schools in 2006.

"Following consultation with the Primary Principals' Association and the NSW Teachers Federation, it has been agreed that the new CSA6 will be an on-demand, competency-based assessment delivered electronically."

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

For further information

May 2005 contents