To access a language modifier assessment arrangement, do we have to ‘prove’ the student has less than standard score with a language assessment? 

Question to BATOD – To access a language modifier assessment arrangement, do we have to ‘prove’ the student has less than standard score with a language assessment? 

Working group response

Failing in assessments is not a benchmark for gaining access arrangements, as the ‘failure’ may be due to reasons other than the understanding of English. Awarding bodies require recognised standard tests that demonstrate the need for access arrangements. Also, one important requirement is that modifying English must be a ‘normal way of working’ for the student in the college. This means for example that your CSWs are modifying course handouts etc, and crucially, modifying questions in class tests and mock exams. And this must be demonstrated and evidenced on documentation available to view by a JCQ representative.

To get the Language Modification access arrangement (which is additional to the modifications made for  the Awarding Body and is specific to a particular candidate) the centre must follow instructions in JCQ Adjustments for candidates with disabilities and learning difficulties section 5.11 pp 72-75 ( www.jcq.org.uk )

JCQ AAA 25/26 – “5.11.2  As part of the supporting evidence to an awarding body, the candidate must have a standardised score of 69 or less (a very substantially below average standardised score) in relation to reading comprehension and/or vocabulary. The candidate will have been assessed using current editions of nationally standardised tests conducted within 26 months of the final examination. (The candidate may be assessed by a Qualified Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People who will record the results of their assessment within Part 2 of Form 8.) The extensive modification of language must reflect the candidate’s normal way of working within the centre, as evidenced within Part 1 of Form 8. An awarding body reserves the right to request ‘call-in’ evidence from the centre”