Exploring alternative assessments to the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) for Exam Access Arrangements - Mar 2024 to Mar 2025

Exploring alternative assessments to the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) for Exam Access Arrangements - Mar 2024 to Mar 2025

Overview

  • Date(s)
    28 Mar 2024 - 27 Mar 2025
  • Cost
    £56.00
  • Provider
    Communicate-ed
  • Delivery type
    Distance
  • Course level
    Advanced
  • Course summary

    This 90 minute course will explore the options for replacing the SDMT in assessments for extra time in exams. It will cover some familiar tests and will explore some other options that are new to the UK market.

  • CPD credit hours
    1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Course themes
    Reviewing principles of psychometrics, statistics, assessment and underlying theory, SpLD testing methods, interpretation, report writing, feedback and test materials
  • Audience
    Assessors, Support, Assessment centres, Training institutions
  • Website
  • SASC Code
    SASC-20240327-104

Description

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was withdrawn from the SASC approved list of assessments from April 30th 2023. Training providers also removed the test from their suggested lists of assessments for exam access arrangements from 1st September 2023. The test has been widely used in exam access arrangements assessments in secondary and Further Education settings, and many assessors are keen to find replacement tests in the JCQ cognitive processing 'area' of visual processing speed.

 
The course will be exploring the options for replacing the SDMT in assessments for extra time in exams, and for diagnositic assessment. It will cover some familiar tests and will explore some other options that are new to the UK market.

Learning outcomes

Delegates will be able to:

  • Explain the JCQ requirements for 25% extra time evidence for candidates with learning difficulties
  • Understand the requirements of the JCQ area 'visual processing speed'
  • Name a range of tests and assessments which assess 'visual processing speed'

Course prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this course, though it will be relevant to exam access arrangement assessors, and diagnostic assessors.

Frequently asked questions

See: https://www.communicate-ed.org.uk/courses/exploring-alternative-assessments-to-the-sdmt