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Memorandum to Schools 17/2008

5 March 2008

Introducing Online Assessing Of The General Achievement Test (GAT) in 2008

The VCAA is introducing online assessing for the General Achievement Test (GAT) which will be held on Friday 13 June 2008. Please bring the following information to the attention of VCE teachers at your school. This information could be of particular interest to teachers in non-metropolitan schools.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE GAT

  1. Approximately 80,000 students will sit the GAT.
  2. The multiple choice component is electronically marked.
  3. Students complete two written responses which are each initially marked twice.

ONLINE ASSESSING

  1. Students complete the GAT as in previous years using pen and paper.
  2. Student answer books are scanned into an online marking system.
  3. Assessors view the student responses and register a score via a computer screen.
  4. Assessors can assess in one of two marking centres (one location in Coburg and another to be advised) or they can mark from home using their own PC (broadband required – MAC not suitable).
  5. Full training in using the online marking system will be provided.

ASSESSORS REQUIRED

  1. 300 assessors are required to assess the GAT written responses; applications are open until 27 March.
  2. Assessors are appointed from a wide range of study areas. If you have experience in global marking of longer texts (in English), you may have the necessary skills.
  3. Now that online assessing is available we are particularly looking for non-metropolitan teachers to apply.

IF YOU ARE APPOINTED

  1. Successful appointees will be required to attend:
    1. New Assessor Briefing (1½ hours in the evening). Assessors who have marked the GAT within the past two years do not have to attend this briefing.
    2. One of three training meetings: Saturday 14, Sunday 15 or Monday 16 June for 6 hours.
  2. All training is in person and held at the VCAA Assessment Centre in Coburg.
  3. The main assessing period runs from 18 June until 27 June 2008, including weekends.
  4. The online marking system will be open between 7:00 am and 10:30 pm, 7 days a week, until completed.

ADVANTAGES FOR SCHOOLS

  1. Teachers return to school with in-depth knowledge of assessment procedures.
  2. Students benefit from teacher assessment experience.
  3. Teaching and learning practices are strengthened by teachers’ professional learning experience.

ADVANTAGES FOR TEACHERS

  1. Assessors are thoroughly trained in assessing the GAT and often heard to comment – “it is the best PD you can get”.
  2. Exposure to the complete writing capabilities of students throughout the state.
  3. Collegial sharing of ideas from a wide range of schools and sectors.
  4. Assessors are paid for attending the main training meeting and a script rate for each script assessed.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Applications can be made on the VCAA Sessional Staff Management System (SSMS) website at: https://www.ssms.vic.edu.au. Applications close Thursday 27 March.
  2. Applicants are advised that an email address is required when applying so that additional information can be provided on involvement in assessing as it becomes available.
  3. Please note: registering an application on SSMS does not guarantee an appointment.

CONTACTS

 

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