Abacus brochure - Criterion Partnership

BackgroundWhy use non-cognitive assessments for the selection oftrainee teachers?The 'Training our next generation of outstanding teachers: Implementation plan' (June2011) highlighted that in England, there has been an improvement in traineequalification levels for trainee teachers, however we are not yet matching the highestperforming countries. One area for improvement was identified to be the selection oftrainee teachers in the first place. Interpersonal skills have been identified as one ofthe crucial aspects to reliably improve the selection of trainee teachers. These can bemeasured using non-cognitive assessments.It has been stated that:• All providers of ITT are encouraged to assess these skills before acceptinganyone on to the training process• ITT suppliers are expected to decide for themselves the approach to use• Ofsted inspection of ITT providers will assess the selection methods in place andtheir impact on the quality and employability of teachers who enter the profession• The resources will compliment the skills tests which, for trainees starting ITT fromSeptember 2013, need to be passed before training commencesWhat are non-cognitive assessments?Non-cognitive assessments measure those skills that are not derived from knowing orhaving knowledge. This includes interpersonal skills which include those skillsimportant in the interaction between people.Criterion PartnershipCriterion Partnership are Occupational Psychologists who are leaders in noncognitiveassessments. Having been established for over 20 years CriterionPartnership have been highlighted by The Department for Education as a supplier ofnon-cognitive assessment. In response Criterion have developed their own model toassess non-cognitive attributes in selecting for trainee teachers, known as Abacus.letterbox@criterionpartnership.co.uk01273 734000Prices correct at 01/01/2013.Subject to VAT

The Abacus ModelWhat differentiates Abacus from other tools is that the chosen scales have only beenselected because of their importance in selecting a trainee teacher.The Abacus model is split into four main areas of competence:1. Approaching workloadThis area measures how a trainee teacher approaches their workload as well as howthey manage it.2. Interacting with people in educationThis area of competence looks at how the trainee teacher interacts with individuals ineducation including students, parents and other members of staff.3. Coping with everyday demandsThis area looks at how the trainee teacher copes with the demands of being a teacher,looking at aspects such as their resilience in the role.4. Working in the teaching environmentThis area looks at how well a trainee teacher is motivated to be a part of the teachingenvironment, as opposed to another working environment.letterbox@criterionpartnership.co.uk01273 734000Prices correct at 01/01/2013.Subject to VAT

Abacus outputAbacus profile reportThe Abacus profile report displays narrative about thetrainee teacher, which can be used to understand thetrainee teacher's preferences in more detail.Abacus interview reportThe Abacus interview guidance report producesinterview questions for the trainee teacher based on theresponses that they give. This can be used tostandardise the interview process acrossinterviewers. It also ensures that areas of strengthor development that are particularly strong can beprobed further.Abacus development reportThe Abacus development report can be givento successful or unsuccessful candidates asfeedback. The report includes a developmentplan which can be built into the developmentplan of the successful trainee teacher.letterbox@criterionpartnership.co.uk01273 734000Prices correct at 01/01/2013.Subject to VAT

Abacus PracticalitiesAdministering Abacus• Abacus can easily be administered throughproviding candidates with a web link and code• Reports can then be instantly downloaded fromthe system• Results can also be downloaded onto aspreadsheet for group comparisonThe candidate journey• The system is focused on providing a friendly• and engaging candidate experience• The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes to• complete• Your branding can be added to the system and• reports free of chargeSupport• Criterion Partnership is an Occupational Psychology Consultancy that has beenestablished for over 20 years• Criterion is made up of a team of Occupational Psychologists who can supportyou in integrating this tool into your selection of ITT• In addition we have a support team dedicated to supporting any queries that youmight have about the toolNext stepsPlease contact one of our team on 01273 734000 orteachertraining@criterionpartnership.co.uk for more information about Abacus or to be setup with an account.If you would like to complete a free trial of our questionnaire please send an email toteachertraining@criterionpartnership.co.ukletterbox@criterionpartnership.co.uk01273 734000Prices correct at 01/01/2013.Subject to VAT