– On line marking NAPLAN Writing test

NAPLAN Writing test – On line marking
PLEASE READ:
The information that follows outlines the critical dates, appointment process and criteria, training and marking
details as well as the technical requirements for home online marking.
Applications are only taken online through the SSMS system at: https://www.ssms.vic.edu.au
Note: Maths markers for NAPLAN are NOT REQUIRED by the VCAA
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CHOOSING SHIFTS for 2015
You must decide and indicate in your application on SSMS which shift (DAY or
EVENING) you wish to be considered for – as this determines the two days of
marker training you will be required to attend.
There is no provision for moving between or mixing and matching training days
You must be available for BOTH days allocated to the particular shift.
CRITICAL DATES:
2014
5 November –> applications open on SSMS
2015
3 March –> applications close (or earlier if required number of suitable applicants has been selected).
9 May –> new markers must attend introductory training session (you must also attend the normal marker training
sessions the following week)
Tuesday 12 May –> NAPLAN Writing test sat by Victorian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
16 & 17 May –> EVENING MARKERS training and marking practice (all approved appointees to evening shifts must
attend BOTH of these two days)
18 & 19 May –> DAY MARKERS training and marking practice (all approved appointees to day shifts must attend BOTH
of these two days)
19 May until 20 June (approx.) –> marking on average four hours each day for day session marker and three hours
each day for evening session marker.
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If you intend to apply for NAPLAN marking for 2015, an early application would be much appreciated.
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The VCAA, which is responsible for the implementation of NAPLAN in Victoria, is seeking applications from current and
retired teachers to participate in the challenging and important task of marking NAPLAN writing.
Non-metropolitan applicants are welcome to apply.
Note: claims are not permitted for any travel allowance, reimbursement for personal expenses such as accommodation or
time release from schools for either training or marking student work associated with this position.
Online marking
All marking is conducted online. It is expected that markers will mark at home using PC or MAC with broadband internet
connection or better (see technical requirements). Work stations are available at the VCAA Assessment Centre in
Coburg.
A great professional development opportunity
NAPLAN writing test markers gain rich, rewarding experience from reading and evaluating a wide range of student
writing. They also participate in VCAA training sessions which contribute to professional practice required by the Victorian
Institute of Teaching. Participants are paid at rates based on current CRT rates for NAPLAN training sessions.
Appointment criteria
New markers are appointed on the basis of their teaching experience and other relevant experience such as participation
in large scale marking projects. New marker appointments also depend on the number of markers required to complete
the project within its timeframe.
Experienced NAPLAN markers are reappointed each year on the basis of their marking accuracy and demonstrated
commitment to the marking project.
Appointments are for the duration of the 2015 marking project only.
Provisional appointment process
Once applications close, the VCAA will communicate by email to those who are successful. Following this an online
survey is used to gather further information about preferences for training days and the necessary computer capability of
those wishing to mark at home. Significant update messages are only sent by email.
Appointment e-packages are provided and an online Marker Declaration (agreeing to Conditions of Appointment) is
required to be completed and submitted prior to any training.
New marker training
The VCAA will hold a new marker introductory training session on Saturday 9 May 2015.
All those designated as new marker applicants must attend this session in addition to the Marker Training sessions the
following week.
Marker training requirement
All 2014 NAPLAN markers are required to attend both of the necessary training sessions in May (new applicants have
three; experienced markers two).
All appointed markers must attend BOTH of the training and marking practice sessions held:
16 & 17 May for EVENING markers
OR
18 & 19 May for DAY markers.
Marking commitment
Marking of the NAPLAN writing test will take approximately 22-24 days (including weekends), beginning on 19 May and
concluding around mid-June 2015.
Markers must commit to an average of four hours marking each day for day session markers and three hours each day
for evening markers. Markers are also expected to take 2 rest days during this period.
Markers are expected to be available for marking through the Queen’s Birthday holiday period.
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Technical requirements for HOME marking (Home markers require broadband internet connection or better)
The minimum requirements used to run the Online Marking software are as follows:
Current minimum technical requirements:
 IBM compatible PC or MAC
 Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X
 Processor speed: 1GHz (or greater recommended)
 Available disk space: 200 MB
 Memory size: 512 MB (or greater)
 Video Memory: 4 MB
 15” monitor supporting 1024x768 resolution (22” recommended; standard 15” laptop may cause difficulties for some
assessors; anything smaller is definitely not recommended.)
 PC Browser - Internet Explorer 6.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2) Update Version or greater.
MAC Browser – Safari or Firefox
 Internet connectivity – Broadband (256 KB minimum) with an established Internet Service Provider.
NB: During the course of online marking, assessors can expect to download up to 700 Mb of data.
Online marking - points to note
- online marking can be done in your own time and at your own pace depending on limits (caps) imposed by VCAA staff
and general marking policies
- you cannot mark online at a school or work location
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SSMS Helpdesk (ASSESSMENT SERVICES)
For any technical difficulties contact either assessment.administration.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au or phone 9225-2305
YOUR CONTACT in ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS:
Denis O’Donnell
Phone: (03) 9225 2370 / Email: odonnell.denis.j1@edumail.vic.gov.au