How do I administer the reading tests?

How do I administer the reading tests?

The Cornerstones Reading Tests mirror the style and content of the KS1/KS2 SATs papers. The Reading Tests are designed to be used at the end of every term. The tests can be used to highlight the children’s individual needs and track their progress against the programmes of study throughout the year. Results can be used to inform planning, allowing you to address the learning needs of your children.

Key stage 1

The Year 1 and 2 papers can be administered to the whole class, smaller groups of children or on an individual basis. Try as far as possible to create similar conditions as you would when administering the SATs tests. This would include:

  1. removing or covering any displays or materials that could help children
  2. seating children appropriately for independent working
  3. ensuring that children cannot easily view other children’s test papers
  4. removing access to any resources such as dictionaries or word lists
  5. providing only a pencil
  6. reminding children to cross out answers that they would like to change
InfoSupport: Please ensure all staff are aware that no questions or text can be read aloud to the children, except the useful words, practice questions and practice texts (in the Year 1 tests and the Year 2 Paper 1 test).

If a pupil asks a question about test content, you must not explain subject-specific terms.

Year 1

Children will sit two tests in Year 1, at the end of the spring and summer terms. These tests are based on the Year 2 Paper 1 test. There is only one text with questions for each Year 1 assessment.


The practice page at the beginning of the test provides the opportunity to discuss the setting and characters in the case of fiction, and the content and context in the case of non-fiction. The meanings of the useful words can also be discussed.


It is recommended that you spend at least five minutes introducing the paper to the children and reading the useful words and practice questions aloud. Children can have a go at these questions independently and then you can go through the answers with the class.


Explain to children that they will need to answer the remaining questions quietly on their own. Tell the children to stop answering questions when they reach the end of the test and to put their pencils down.


Explain to the children that they will need to write their answer for some questions or put a tick in the box next to the correct answer for others. Ask the children if they have any questions and tell the children to write their name on the front of the booklet.

Year 2

Children do not have to sit both papers on the same day. If both papers are administered on the same day, children may benefit from a break between papers. Both papers can be administered to the whole class, to smaller groups of children or on an individual basis.

Paper 1

Paper 1 is expected to take approximately 30 minutes to complete (not strictly timed). It is at your discretion to choose when or if children require a break during the test.

InfoSupport: The Reading Tests must not be read to individuals or to a group, except for the practice text and practice questions. The useful words may also be read aloud at the start of each section. Meanings of these should be discussed with the children.

The practice page at the beginning of the first two sections also provides the opportunity to discuss the setting and characters in the case of fiction, and the content and context in the case of non-fiction.


It is recommended that you spend at least five minutes introducing each section of this paper to the children and reading the practice questions aloud. Children can have a go at these questions independently and then you can go through the answers with the class.


Explain to the children that they will need to answer the remaining questions quietly on their own. Tell the children to stop answering questions when they reach the end of each text and to put their pencils down. Explain that you will then go through the useful words and practice questions for the second text.


At the beginning of the third text, you should go through the useful words list and explain that there are no practice questions.


Explain to the children that there will be a number of different types of question to answer including:
  1. writing an answer on a line
  2. putting a tick in a box next to the answer they think is correct
  3. putting ticks in a table to show if an answer is true or false
  4. drawing a line to match boxes
  5. filling in a table
  6. filling in a missing word in a sentence or finishing a sentence
 
Ask the children if they have any questions and tell the children to write their name on the front of the booklet.


Paper 2

This paper is expected to take approximately 40 minutes to complete (not strictly timed).


Explain to the children that this test is made up of a reading answer booklet and a separate reading booklet. It is at your discretion to choose when or if pupils require a break during the test.


It is important to explain that Paper 2 does not contain a list of useful words or practice questions and no part of the reading booklet or answer booklet should be read aloud to children.


Be clear that if the children find a question difficult, they should move on to the next question. Children should stop working when they start to find the reading booklet or questions too hard to continue.


Children should work on their own. They should read the questions carefully and check their work. If they have questions during the test, they should put their hands up.


Children should read the first text and then answer the questions linked to that text in the answer booklet. They should then read the next text and answer those questions.

Key stage 2

Try as far as possible to create similar conditions as you would when administering the SATs tests. This would include:
​
  1. removing or covering any displays or materials that could help children
  2. seating children appropriately for independent working
  3. ensuring that children cannot easily view other children’s test papers
  4. removing access to any resources such as dictionaries or word lists
  5. providing only a blue or black pen or dark pencil
  6. reminding children to cross out answers that they would like to change
 
InfoSupport: Please ensure all staff are aware that no questions or text can be read aloud to the children. If a child asks a question about test content, you must not explain subject-specific terms. The example below illustrates how to deal with a common situation:
        Q. I don’t understand the question.
        A. Read the question again and underline the key words that tell you what to do.

At the start of the test

  1. Ask the children to write their name and other details on the front of their test.
  2. Remind the children of the usual school policy in terms of writing in pen or pencil. Encourage them to cross out answers rather than rubbing them out.
  3. Explain that the children will have one hour to complete this test, answering the questions in the answer booklet.
  4. The children should read one text and answer the questions about that text before reading the next text. There are three texts and three sets of questions.
  5. Explain that there are different types of questions in the test. The space for each answer shows you what kind of response is needed.
  6. Some questions are followed by a short line or box. This shows that only a word or a few words are needed for the answer. Some questions are followed by a few lines or a large box, which means that a more detailed answer is needed.
  7. They may write in full sentences, though this is not necessary.
  8. For some questions, they should tick, draw lines to or circle their answers.
  9. Remind the children to use the information in the texts to answer the questions.
  10. When a question includes a page reference, the children should refer to the text on that page to answer questions.
  11. Ask the children to work through the booklet until they are asked to stop, referring to their reading booklets when needed.
  12. The children should try to answer all of the questions. If they can’t answer a question, they should move on and return to it later.
  13. Remind the children to check their work carefully and put their hand up if they have a question during the test.
  14. Explain that adults cannot help with test questions or read any of the words to the children.
  15. Give the children time to ask questions.


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