Standardised testing: Support information and FAQs

This article includes information that may be helpful for the setup and management of Standardised testing data. For a full guide please refer to the following article:

• Importing Standardised Testing Data in SEQTA (NAPLAN, OLNA etc.)

Standardised testing data can be viewed through the SIP by clicking on the Standardised tests button and through the Attendance roll or Marks book by clicking the icon to the left of the student's name.

This article contains the following sections:

• How do I normalise standardised testing data?
• Why does the standardised testing data not display in the SIP?
• How do I archive an instrument?
• How to manage students with standardised testing data for multiple years?
• How do I clear standardised testing data?
• How do I delete testing instruments, series and items?
• Can standardised testing data be viewed by students or parents in SEQTA Learn or SEQTA Engage?
• Where do I obtain the statistics and how can these be formulated ready to be entered into SEQTA?
• What is Error Code: 1102 when selecting column heading during the import process?

How do I normalise standardised testing data?

If the high and low values are significantly different, it may be necessary to normalise the data in the spreadsheet upload. For example, should 'Numerical' have numbers for the range of 10 - 13, whereas 'Score' is in the range of 120 - 310, then a formula can be used to increase each of the results for numerical i.e. (formula: E2*20 = value will be 5*30 = 150). Normalising data is managed in-house by the school.

Why does the standardised testing data not display in the SIP?

The two most common reasons are:

• No values set for the Items for the Series.
• The Item Code is used in two different Instruments. Where this is the case, the Item Code for one of the instruments will need to be changed. 
  

How do I archive an instrument?

The option to 'Archive' an Instrument is available for schools that would like to hide standardised testing data that has been imported into SEQTA.

How to manage students with standardised testing data for multiple years?

There are several methods for managing standardised testing data for students that attend the school for more than one year. 

• Option 1: Archive the old Instruments each year and create new ones. This requires completing the standardised testing setup from scratch.
• Option 2: Use the same instruments and create additional Series (include the year level in the label)  
• Option 3: Update the instrument statistics entry values and then clear the previous year's data and import the current year's data.

Can Standardised Testing Data be viewed by Students or Parents in SEQTA Learn or SEQTA Engage?

No, this is not possible at this point. However, it may be added in a future release.

Calculating the statistical data for Standardised testing setup

This information is in the article Entering the Statistical Data for an Instrument

What is Error Message: Code 1102 when selecting column heading during the import process?

This generally indicates an issue with the Excel file. It may be non-standard characters in the names (such as the auto-correct 'smart quotes'), these look normal to view however they are stored differently than the standard ASCII quote that most software uses.

In most cases, the following process will resolve the issue:

1. Open the CSV file in spreadsheet programme (i.e. Excel).
2. Highlight and copy the data.
3. Open a new spreadsheet.
4. Paste the data into the new spreadsheet.
5. Save the new spreadsheet in CSV format.
6. Try importing the file again. If this still does not work, please email the file to the SEQTA Service Desk and provide a screenshot showing the drop-downs that data needs to be imported under (i.e. NAPLAN > 'Year 3 2021'. The file can then be tested to check for any other issues.

 Why is there an Overall column appearing? 

This occurs when data is entered under the 'Unspecified (null)' in the Instrument statistics entry. To resolve this, delete the values. The steps for this process are as follows:

1. Go to the Administration Workspace > Standardised Testing Management > Instrument Statistics Entry.
2. Select the 'Instrument, Series and State' from the drop-downs. Leave the Item as 'Unspecifed (Null)'.
3. Delete the values and click Save.
4. Refresh/Reload the page and check in the SIP to ensure it has worked.

What methods are available for importing NAPLAN data?

1. Import the PDF files so they appear under Student files in the SIP.  The steps are here:  Importing NAPLAN or OLNA files (option to be made visible in SEQTA Learn and SEQTA Engage).  To increase the file size limit should you need go to the ADMINISTRATION WORKSPACE > APPLICATION SETTINGS and search for 'file size' (without the quotes).

2. Import the Standardised testing data from the CSV which will then display in the Information pan of the SIP under 'Standardised tests'.  This process may require you to create formulas on the spreadsheet and configure everything correctly. The steps can be found here:  Standardised Testing Data Setup Checklist.