8. Qualifications, Accreditation & National Tests
Introduction to Literacy and Numeracy Qualifications
Measurement of progress and the recognition of individual achievement are key elements of the new learning infrastructure for literacy, numeracy and ESOL. For many learners, progress will be measured through the achievement of national qualifications at Entry level, Level 1 and Level 2.
If learners are not ready to take national qualifications, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) also offers achievement funding for non-externally accredited learners providing their basic skills learning aims are referenced to the national standards and evidence of progress and achievements is retained (paragraph 74 of the LSC’s Funding Guidance for Further Education in 2002/03).
Since September 2002 only those literacy and numeracy qualifications that are accredited by QCA are recognised as basic skills qualifications by the Learning and Skills Council. You can look at the approved qualifications on the QCA web site. These approved qualifications are mapped to the national standards for adult literacy and numeracy and make progression pathways clearer for learners, teachers and educational providers.
The National Test in Adult Literacy and Numeracy
QCA is working with awarding bodies to ensure that the National Tests in literacy and numeracy at Levels 1 and 2 are more readily available and flexibly delivered on a monthly basis. Trials of weekly tests are also underway at selected secure test centres; online tests are being developed. For information please contact individual awarding bodies. Organisations or institutions who wish to become National Test centres should contact awarding bodies for further details.
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Move On Project - Promoting the National Test with a free short course
The aim of the Move On project is to develop and pilot a short course to engage higher level literacy and numeracy learners and promote the National Test in adult literacy and numeracy. It is targeted at those within the top 60% of basic skills needs and includes a 3 hour taster test to identify areas that require brushing up and a 30 hour short course to brush up these skills which culminates in the group taking the National Test.
The Move On pack gives a guide to practitioners on how to develop and run a Move On course. Practitioners who have used this approach attended two working parties in March, where they were given the chance to offer feedback on the approach itself and also on the document. This forum was also used to showcase a draft version of the new National Test Toolkit.
The updated version of the Move On working document is now available as a part of the National Test Toolkit. This is available to order from DfES PUblications - please quote ref: SFL NTT. The toolkit also contains details on the National Tests, e.g. funding information, how to become a test centre, and what the National Test offers employers. Practice versions of the National Tests are included in the toolkit in both paper-based and on-screen versions. The pdfs of the documents will be available to download from this page soon.
The original version of the Move On document can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
Click here for the Move On pack
Entry Level Qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy
This information covers all post-16 Literacy and Numeracy Entry level qualifications accredited through QCA. The documents will be regularly updated with the latest information as it becomes available.
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New ESOL Qualifications
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has approved a new set of ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, which are available from August 2004.
Click here for more information
Pathways to Proficiency
The Alignment of Language Proficiency Scales for Assessing competence in English Language
In 2001, QCA carried out a mapping exercise to compare the relative language demands of the adult literacy standards, the Common European Qualifications Framework and the National Language Standards. 'Pathways to Proficiency' is the report of their findings, including tables to compare the equivalencies of the national standards with other languages scales.
Accreditation for Pre-entry level learners
The National Open College Network (NOCN) is developing units of accreditation based on the milestones in the Pre-entry Curriculum Framework. The Numeracy units have been to OCN panels, and are expected to become available in February 2003. The Literacy units are likely to become available in April 2003.
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8. Qualifications & Accreditation
