Join iTRACK Education on 11th February at 10 am GMT for a Continued Professional Development (CPD) webinar on Overcoming the Challenges of Showing Real Progress for Students with SEND.
In a world without levels and P-scales, many schools teaching the British National Curriculum are grappling with the complexities of demonstrating real progress for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This webinar will delve into the unique challenges faced by these schools in tracking and showcasing the achievements of SEND students. We will explore how schools are currently approaching this task and why practices can vary so drastically from one setting to another.
Key topics covered:
- Current Practices and Challenges: We will examine the current landscape of SEND assessment, highlighting the diverse methods schools are using to track progress. This session will uncover why there is so much variation between schools and how this impacts the consistency and reliability of data.
- The Role of Teaching and Learning: Teaching and learning for pupils with SEND often differ significantly from those of their peers, particularly when it comes to the retention of learning. We’ll discuss these differences, focusing on strategies that work and how educators can better support pupils’ long-term understanding and progress.
- Why Age-Related Expectations Fall Short: The traditional model of age-related expectations often fails to capture the true progress of pupils with SEND, leading to gaps in understanding their achievements. We will explore why this model doesn’t work for these pupils and how it can misrepresent their development.
- Exploring Alternatives: What are the potential alternatives to age-related expectations? We will discuss innovative approaches to assessment that more accurately reflect the unique learning journeys of pupils with SEND, including personalised targets, small steps of progress, and bespoke assessment tools that celebrate all forms of achievement.
Key takeaways for the audience:
- Understand the Challenges: Gain insights into the specific barriers schools face when showing progress for pupils with SEND, and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
- Explore Effective Practices: Learn about current methods being used in schools and identify which strategies could be adapted or improved within your own setting.
- Identify Why Age-Related Models Fail: Recognise the limitations of using age-related expectations for pupils with SEND and the impact this can have on teaching, learning, and reporting progress.
- Discover Practical Alternatives: Explore practical, evidence-based alternatives that can be implemented to provide a more accurate and holistic view of SEND pupils’ progress.
- Reflect on Your Own Practice: Take away ideas and strategies that you can apply in your school to enhance your approach to tracking and celebrating the progress of pupils with SEND.
This CPD webinar will be hosted by Vicki Clayson, Education Consultant.
Vicki Clayson is an experienced Education Consultant, former Deputy Headteacher, and Inclusion Lead based in Kent. With a strong background in supporting SEND students and school leadership, Vicki brings a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience in overcoming the challenges of assessment and tracking progress. Her insights will guide you through the current landscape and help you explore practical solutions for your school.
Join us to explore how we can move beyond outdated models and towards a more inclusive, meaningful, and accurate way of assessing and supporting pupils with SEND in schools teaching the British National Curriculum.
