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Step 3
This step in the process will help you to collate all the information as well as consider how you will mange the data that is produced.
Collate the information
Following the initial audit, all data can be collated by the Assessment Co-ordinator into one large document detailing who does what and when in terms of assessment throughout the institution. It will also detail how the assessment is to be carried out.
Handling data
The outputs of all of the assessments will generate a wealth of data. Someone must take responsibility for storing this data, analysing and interrogating it. Often this is the Assessment Co-ordinator, but it can be another member of staff. Ideally, the data should be stored on an agreed ICT package, with a secure access code. The arrangements for adding data to this database need to be carefully worked out and agreed so that access can be limited, since the information about individuals is deemed sensitive.
You also need to work out and agree the formats in which the data is to be recorded by each subject area.For example, in English, you may wish to record a level relating to the National Curriculum Tests, or a grade relating to GCSE or GCE. You may also wish to include the assessment focus of the activity, such as retrieving information. You may also wish to record the name of the person who carried out the assessment. It is important that each department or faculty records the information that it finds useful, in a format that will help managers and individuals spot patterns of attainment and progression.
The purpose
You now need to ask the why question - why do we carry out this assessment here? Is it necessary?
Sometimes you will have to answer that it is externally imposed, such as National Curriculum Tests, or public examinations. On other occasions you may accept that you require data to use at a stakeholder meeting, such as a parents' evening, or a meeting with employers or governors. However, you will finish by agreeing a calendar of assessment formats and types that is appropriate for your institution. You will be in a position to explain what you do and when, as well as the purposes for which each assessment output is used.