Launch of the asTTle Version 4

Speech to launch Version 4 of the Assessment Tools for Teaching and Learning (asTTle)
Pakuranga College
9.30am

Good morning everyone.

I am very pleased to be here today to join you for the launch of Version 4 of the Assessment Tools for Teaching and Learning, asTTle.

It is wonderful to see so many students here today and I appreciate hearing from your Head Student - Riddhi Gupta.

asTTle is all about students and it is important for you to share in this launch.

I am really enjoying my new role as Associate Education Minister responsible for schools, as this gives me a great opportunity to get out and about to visit schools like yours.

I am impressed with asTTle and the way it can be used for assessment FOR learning, rather than OF learning. asTTle tells us what you are good at and what you are not so good at.

Whatever your level of achievement asTTle can clearly identify what you need to know next. Once you and your teachers have this information you can really focus on moving forward in your learning.

As a classroom teacher not so long ago, I know how vital is it for teachers, students and their parents to know exactly where a students’ learning is.

This is precisely the information asTTle provides – in reading, writing and mathematics.

Since Version 1 was launched in 2001, asTTle has proven to be incredibly valuable and successful in helping teachers and parents to find out what students already know and understand.

Teachers can then get on and use this information to target their teaching to better manage student strengths and needs.

Parents are better informed about their children’s learning and can have meaningful discussions with teachers about progress.

In this way we can ensure every student is achieving to full potential.

We are backing this commitment to students through the National Assessment Strategy, a $28.4 million package to develop assessment initiatives. Of this $9 million has been earmarked for asTTle.
asTTle has three major areas of advantage:

• it lets teachers design tests relevant to the curriculum and tailored to the specific needs of students, at any time during the year
• it lets teachers measure student progress over time
• it gives teachers a realistic picture of how well each student, class or the school is doing overall.

asTTle Version 4 is even more powerful as it:

• includes assessment for reading and writing for secondary schools
• has a multi-user function so schools can network asTTle and share data across the school
• integrates with existing school data management systems, and
• reports on a number of tests in the same subject.

On top of this, and from what I have seen, asTTle is user-friendly. Version 4 is even more user-friendly with data only having to be entered into the programme once.

The developers have listened to the advice and feedback from teachers who have been using asTTle and have improved this new version accordingly.

I am advised that schools have placed 1000 orders for this new version of asTTle in the last ten days. That is an extraordinary vote of confidence in the system from those who will be using it.

Another feature coinciding with Version 4 is the redevelopment of the asTTle website. Teachers can now order asTTle online. Interactive tutorials will assist them to install and use it.

So as a student, what does asTTle mean for you?

As a leading computer tool asTTle uses your test results to produce graphs and tables that mean you can have more control.

You can start to manage your own progress and you can monitor your progress towards the goals you have set for yourself.

When your teachers share your Student Learning Pathway Report with you, you can decide if you think you are moving fast enough along this pathway.

You might decide you need to up the pace a bit.

You might decide to give more focus to some aspects of your learning.

With your asTTle Student Learning Pathway Report you’ll have a much better idea of how to manage your own learning, to set some of your own personal goals and to plan ahead.

Schools like yours are on the ball. Starting this year asTTle will become part of your school’s assessment profile.

This means asTTle will be used by your teachers as an important way of making informed judgements about your achievement against all levels of the English and mathematics curriculum.

I am sure they will be working with you and your parents to help you get the most out of your time here at Pakuranga College.

Effective teaching and learning, supported by asTTle, helps students like you to prepare for the future.

This means setting your own goals and getting on with the job of achieving them.

Today I would like to issue each and every one of you with a challenge.

The challenge is to move on from doing what you have always done as this way you will end up where you have always been. The challenge is to strive for excellence.

You have already learned a lot about education and achievement here at Pakuranga College.

You need to maintain a commitment to education and achievement throughout your life, no matter what direction this takes.

For New Zealand to continue to prosper, we need an education system where students like you can get the highest possible standard of teaching and learning.

asTTle is an exciting development in one of government’s top priorities for education – lifting educational achievement in literacy and numeracy.

I am sure your school and teachers will put asTTle Version 4 to great use.

I wish every student here at Pakuranga College all the very best for your future learning.

Thank you.