PIRLS 2026 Test Administrator Scotland

PIRLS 2026 - Test Administrator (Field Trial) Job Description

Background

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, known as “PIRLS”, provides internationally comparative data on how well children read and offers policy-relevant information for improving learning and teaching. It assesses the reading achievement of pupils at about age 10, or P5 in Scotland, every five years across about 60 countries. This is the first time Scotland have taken part in PIRLS since 2006. In addition to reading achievement, PIRLS gathers information on how pupils’ performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. PIRLS also includes questionnaires for teachers, headteachers and parents/guardians on the school and home environment, which provides rich contextual data for the interpretation of the assessment.

Pearson is responsible for the delivery of PIRLS 2026 in schools in Scotland. The Field Trial will take place in March to April 2025. Pearson is recruiting external Test Administrators to administer the Field Trial in schools.

The assessment is delivered online and is split into two sessions which take around 1.5 hours in total. After the assessment and a short break, pupils will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, which will take around 30 minutes. Test Administrators (TAs) will therefore need to be confident using technology. However, training will be given on accessing and using the online platform and schools are asked to have an IT technician available on the day.

Purpose

Test Administrators (TAs) administer the pupil online assessments and questionnaires within designated schools, ensuring that the international procedures are adhered to in full. Personnel who are engaged for this role will be trained remotely on the procedures and must complete pre-training activities and attend a live training/Q&A session in February 2025. The exact date and time for this compulsory training will be provided nearer the time (please refer to the FAQs for more details). Preparation for the training session will include reading the TA manual and completing surveys on the different modules.

Main Responsibilities

·         Liaise with the School Coordinator or Headteacher regarding arrangements for the test day, such as room bookings and desk/table layout of the room/s to be used and access to IT facilities. 

·         Ensure there are enough computers / laptops on the assessment day for all pupils

·         Ensure that pupils are sitting their assigned online assessment

·         Administer the assessments and pupil questionnaires in accordance with international standards as outlined in the training and instructions provided, maintaining their security at all times. 

·         Ensure the correct timing of the sessions, recording the session start and end times

·         Record pupil participation and complete appropriate administrative paperwork as outlined in training

·         After completion of the pupil assessments and questionnaires, ensure administration documents are returned to Pearson. 

·         Ensure schools are reminded that teacher and school and parent/guardian, questionnaires need to be completed by the test date. 

·         Set up and administer devices supplied by Pearson (laptops) rather than by the school, where this is needed (the majority of schools will use their own devices).

Essential Experience

·         Experience of teaching and / or working in a school classroom. 

·         Confident using IT applications.  

Desirable Experience

·         Experience of working with primary school aged pupils.

·         Experience of invigilating tests / examinations.

Competencies Required

·         Ability to adhere to specified procedural standards.

·         Confident troubleshooting common technology user issues.

·         Excellent verbal communication skills.

·         Good organisation and administrative skills.

·         Ability to identify, communicate and escalate issues promptly and effectively.

·         Ability to work to agreed timeframes.

`             Essential Requirements

·         Availability to complete remote training in February 2025.

·         Availability Monday to Friday (minimum 3 days per week), from 10 March to 4 April 2025. Arrival time at school is usually 08.00 and finish time is approximately 13.00. 

·         Car and driving license for travel to schools, as required (use of public transport is encouraged, where practical).

·         A current Scottish PVG scheme certificate, covering working with children (this will be verified, and/or applications made for individuals for whom it is needed). 

·         Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. 

Desirable Requirements

·          Occasionally overnight stays may be necessary to be at the school by 08.00. Test Administrators should indicate on their Expression of Interest confirmation form if they are able to do overnight stays (with expenses paid)