ASSESSMENT BASED OPTION

This is a self-funded option for experienced teachers, which enables successful candidates to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.  Overseas Trained Teachers are advised to consider the OTTP – candidates on the OTTP, with at least two years experience of whole class teaching, are eligible for assessment for exemption from induction in addition to assessment for QTS.  The ABO is a route to QTS, only.  Please note that Overseas Trained Teachers who have taught in this country for more than four years are not eligible for either the OTT route or the ABO route.  Candidates who have withdrawn from, failed or been turned down for other QTS routes will not normally be considered for the ABO route.

Rationale

This programme is termed the Assessment Based Option because regulations require elements of training to take place on all initial teacher education programmes.  This programme involves support and visits from a Consortium Tutor (CT) which aims to ensure that candidates are fully conversant with the standards and requirements for QTS.  As educators, we understand that you will perform much better and attain the standards more securely if you know and understand the assessment process and what is required of you.  We do not carry out assessments without first judging your capability to succeed.

Requirements

In order to qualify for this route, candidates must provide substantial, verifiable evidence of experience as a class teacher (at least four  years experience, with clear evidence of continuing professional development), across two age ranges, as defined in the QTS standards for classroom teachers.

Secondary candidates must demonstrate sound subject knowledge for teaching in one National Curriculum subject, or one subject that is examined externally across at least two consecutive age ranges.

Primary candidates must demonstrate sound subject knowledge for teaching across the entire primary curriculum in at least two consecutive age ranges.

All candidates must have evidence of competent teaching in at least two different schools.  Candidates who have taught only in their employing schools will need a placement of at least three weeks duration, to demonstrate that they have taught and met QTS standards in a contrasting setting.

Evidence will include: your planning records, your pupil achievement records, examples of your pupils’ work, evidence of how you deal with pupils of different abilities, written feedback when other teachers have observed you  (Inspection, Performance Management, etc)

All usual qualification and entry requirements to Initial teacher training also apply:

• You must have GCSE, grade A* to C, or equivalent, in English, Mathematics and, if working in the primary phase, Science.
• You must possess a first, or bachelor’s degree – B.A., B.Sc. etc
• You must be employed by the school in which you wish to qualify.

Original certificates must be available, in order to progress your application.

Process

In the first instance all candidates must register for an application form.

Following receipt of a complete application and confirmation of qualifications and employment status:

1) Formative Interview and observation, carried out by Consortium Tutor (CT) to confirm your evidence claim, audit knowledge, understanding and experience and establish your suitability for this, or another appropriate route.  Those interviewed will be expected to demonstrate competence in numeracy and in the ability to communicate in Standard English.

Where sufficient evidence* is identified, CT will identify weaknesses and gaps in evidence and set targets for the candidate, which may include elements of training/professional development and time frame in which to qualify.

Where evidence is insufficient, you will be directed to another, appropriate route, for training.

2) Summative interview and observation, carried out by CT, shortly before assessment.  Confirms that targets have been met and the scope of evidence you have collected is sufficient and provides written feed back on performance and prepares you for assessment.

3) Assessment.  One day assessment, carried out by a Consortium Assessor.

A three part process:

• scrutiny of the portfolio of evidence that you have prepared.
• interview – you will be interviewed to confirm your achievement against the QTS standards. Your line manager or head teacher will also be interviewed.
• observation – two lessons – wherever possible, one in each age range.

In order to be recommended for QTS, the ABO trainee must pass the QTS skills tests.  However, they cannot take the test until they have been accepted onto the programme and issued with a registration number.  The assessment in 3, above, can take place before skills tests have been passed, but recommendation for QTS cannot be made until they are successfully completed.

Cost

£1500, payable in two stages:  £1000 for part one of the process, then a further £500 if the candidate is accepted for parts 2 and 3 of the Assessment Based Option.   This amount is usually paid by the employing school.

It is a requirement that all those who are accepted onto an Initial Teacher Education Programme are supported by a mentor.   ABO candidates accepted by LoNoCo are experienced professionals, who should not need the regular support and development required by trainee teachers.  However, they may not be aware of the issues and requirements placed upon trainees and NQTs.  For example, he/she may need observation evidence to demonstrate competence.  It is unlikely that the ABO teacher will have encountered directly the initiatives that underpin ITT – for example training in Special Needs Education.  Therefore, the mentor’s role for an experienced ABO candidate is to be consultant, support and provider of evidence.  Where mentor support has taken place, the school will be able to reclaim up to £250.

*20% to 30% of verifiable evidence must be in the second age range.  (For example, a Key Stage one teacher, aiming to qualify in the age ranges 3 to 7, must supply evidence of at least two terms competence and curriculum understanding in an Early Years setting.   Similarly, a teacher aiming to qualify in the 14 to 19 age ranges, with experience in post-compulsory education must supply evidence of substantial, successful class teaching and curriculum understanding in KS4).