PAT Testing

PAT Testing is a tool used by schools to assess students' capabilities in mathematics and reading. Designed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), PAT Testing aligns with the current F-10 Curriculum. After testing, teachers can access and analyse the data to inform their teaching strategies. PAT tests serve several purposes:

• Assess a student’s general level of ability in mathematics and reading.
• Measure student growth from one semester to the next.
• Determine the ability levels of new students.
• Support and corroborate teacher judgments.
• Assist in planning teaching programs.

Guidelines for PAT Testing

At Norwood Secondary College, students take two PAT tests: PAT Maths Adaptive and PAT Reading Adaptive. Each test is administered twice a year, allowing staff to compare data and track student progress. To minimise testing fatigue, the tests are scheduled as follows for Years 7-10:

Term 2

• PAT Maths Adaptive - Week 2
• PAT Reading Adaptive - Week 2

Term 4

• PAT Maths Adaptive - Week 3
• PAT Reading Adaptive - Week 3

Each PAT test is adaptive, meaning it adjusts to the individual student's ability to accurately measure their skills. Teachers use the results to gauge student capabilities and provide appropriate challenges for effective learning.

Test results help staff differentiate and adjust student work, identify those who may need additional Literacy and Numeracy support, and inform planning and teaching programs. These results should be used as one of many data sources and not shared directly with students or parents. Feedback should focus on student growth over time, using descriptions such as ‘at’, ‘above’, or ‘below’ level.

For detailed instructions on administering the PAT tests and analysing the data, refer to the supporting documentation available in the “PAT Testing” Curriculum folder under School Documentation on Compass.