Test Authoring for the TDA
AlphaPlus, and its partner for this project, BTL, develop and maintain the tests in English, mathematics and ICT that the Training and Development Agency (TDA) administer as a minimum standard to achieve Qualified Teacher Status. AlphaPlus provide the subject matter experts, manage an independent Test Review Group drawn from past and present teaching staff and ITT providers, validate the test coverage, author the tests and evaluate the test performance during the pre-launch trials. BTL take the test scripts and produce on-screen test content for delivery via the TDA test system, as well as managing all current, development and retired test items in an item bank on behalf of the TDA.
The Byron report raised a requirement that e-safety be included as a key element of the ICT tests for QTS status. There was no agreed standard or curriculum for e-safety. AlphaPlus and BTL worked with the TDA, DCSF, and Becta to develop and agree coverage and then refreshed all of the ICT tests to contain and element of e-safety, in contrast to the planned annual refresh of 10% of the test bank.
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