SQA Technology and Assessment Arrangements

CALL Scotland are inviting all practitioners who support pupils with additional support needs to be part of a national conversation on using technology for Assessment Arrangements (AA). We will discuss how to best accommodate pupils' needs, how to ensure the right technology is in place and how to ensure that Assessment Arrangements are based on 'the normal way of working'.

The number of candidates for whom AA were requested in 2022 increased by 27% compared to 2019; more and more students are using digital technology in class; and 30% of 2022 AA involve the use of technology. Digital technology is an essential tool for learners with additional support needs in examinations.

The Scottish Government has announced that a new qualification body will commence work in 2024 that as part of a wider education reform. It is vital that accessibility and the needs of learners with disabilities or additional support needs are designed in to any new Senior Phase qualification system, especially if assessment involves increased use of digital or online exam resources.