Standardised testing are tests that children take in Primary School. They begin in May/June for all children in 2nd class, 4th class and 6th class, but many schools use these tests in other classes as well. STen tests are exams that measure the level of the child in English and Irish reading and maths. They compare the child’s scores with other children in the same class or of the same age level. The reading sTen tests give information on your child’s level of reading, and the maths test will determine how well your child gets on at solving mathematical problems and use their use of numbers. The standardised test in Irish reading measures a child’s achievement compared to other children in Irish-speaking schools at the same class or age level.
Do all children take these tests?
Your child’s teacher decides which children will take the tests. If your child’s first language is not English, the teacher may decide that the child does not need to take the English reading test. The child may take the maths test however. If your child has a learning disability or indeed a physical disability, a different method of measuring your child’s progress may be undertaken.
What do my child’s test scores mean?
The tests are scored by the teacher using STen scores to evaluate how the child did in the tests. STen scores go from 1 to 10.
What does the STen score mean?
Score of 8 – 10 – Well above average
Score of 7- High average
Score of 5 – 6 – Average
Score of 4 – Low average
Score of 1 – 3 Well below average
If your child’s STen score is between 5 and 6 for example, you will know that his/her performance is average on the test. Approximately one in every three children in Ireland have STen scores in this range.
My child’s score is low, what does this mean?
A STen score of 1, 2 or 3 suggests that your child may have difficulties in one of the areas tested. Your child’s teacher may carry out other assessments to determine if this is the case. Your child may benefit from extra support. If so, your child’s teacher will talk to you about this.
My child’s score is high, what does this tell me?
A STen score of 8, 9 or 10 may suggest that your child is a high achiever in that particular area. As with low scores, one high score is not enough to determine this for sure. Your child’s teacher may use information from other classroom based assessments to understand more clearly how your child is getting on.
What can affect my child’s test score?
As with all other tests that your child does in school, the score on a test can be affected by how the child is feeling on the day. This means that these scores are only an indication of your child’s achievement in a particular area. You may like to arrange to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss any concerns about the scores.
How can I further support my child?
The NCCA has developed some online resources to help you to support your child in primary school. You will find them at www.ncca.ie/parents