LAOS Target 2018 - Reporting

Why look at reporting in HCK? The Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) underlines the importance of the process of reporting across the Junior Cycle, culminating in the awarding of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement. During the three years of Junior Cycle, oral and written feedback to parents/guardians and students will support the student to build on their strengths and to address areas where learning can improve. It is expected that most of the feedback to the students will be provided orally. It is critical that everyone comes to value the role reporting can play in improving learning and the student’s motivation to learn.

Research evidence John Hattie, Professor of Education, University of Melbourne analysed thousands of different pieces of research and concluded that the most powerful single factor that enhances student achievement is feedback. (in a timely fashion). Effective reporting based on quality feedback improves students learning.

The NCCA has 8 guiding principles for reporting at Junior Cycle Effective reporting should: Encourage genuine engagement with parents. Provide opportunities for students through feedback to reflect on their learning and contribute to the reporting process. Value the professional judgement of teachers. Use the language of learning (Key Skills which guide Teaching and Learning at Junior Cycle Level). Be manageable and not take time away from Teaching and Learning. Clearly communicate student’s learning. Provide information on a broad range of achievements. Be sensitive to the self-esteem and general well-being of students and take an inclusive approach.

Survey will be issued within the next couple of weeks Where are we in HCK? Currently: October Progress report January Christmas report March Progress report June End of year report Informative ? Effective in terms of students learning? Assessments Can be weekly/monthly/end of unit or module Christmas/Mocks/End of Year We want your opinions! Survey will be issued within the next couple of weeks

Challenges 1. Class based assessments: Introduced a new element to assessment Timing of CBAs V. traditional Christmas exams Window for either completing the assessment or writing up the Assessment Task for 3rd years is set for early December (English, Science and Business). CBAs for 2nd years (English, Business Studies, Science, MFL, Visual Art) start in January – mid May 2019. 2. Quality feedback to students under current system - Students not engaging after ‘Christmas’ exams (losing valuable tuition time) - Gap between sitting an assessment and receiving feedback from teacher

For this year there will be no progress report in October 2018-2019 ‘Christmas Exams’ - now called Assessment Exams 26th - 30th November = 1st, 2nd and 5th years End of Year Assessment Exams = 10th - 16th May (to allow for completion of 2nd year CBAs) For this year there will be no progress report in October Detailed report issued mid-December Staff will have time to feedback on assessments and December will have 3 full weeks of tuition Looking at how we might engage students in reflecting on their learning/their assessments/and identifying areas where they need to improve Parents will be surveyed again at the end of the year. Based on responses we will amend/adjust target.