Principals and NAPLAN coordinators should be aware of the protocols regarding the use of a scribe in the NAPLAN Writing test.

The key points from 6.5 of the National Protocols are:

• The role of a Scribe is to provide access to the Writing test, not to improve a student’s performance in this test. Students must be using a scribe regularly in the classroom and be familiar with the NAPLAN Scribe Rules;
• Where appropriate, students should be encouraged to undertake the tests independently of a Scribe using alternative adjustments. This will ensure the most accurate assessment of the student’s ability to produce a written text when marked against the 10 criteria; and
• Poor handwriting in itself is not sufficient justification for the use of a Scribe. Poor handwriting will not impact on the marker’s ability to assess the student’s text against the marking criteria.

The Protocols allow for a scribe to be provided only for students who have difficulty with the physical act of writing. This does not include students who have difficulty processing what they want to write.

Students with a temporary injury such as a broken arm, who are unable to write, may use a computer for the Writing test providing approval has been given by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES).

In order to ensure national consistency in the use of Scribes and to ensure the results are not compromised, prior written permission to use a Scribe must be sought and given by BOSTES.

All applications for use of a scribe will be carefully considered against the National Protocols.

Approval will only be given where a student will be unable to complete the Writing test independently. Computer use, extra time and/or rest breaks are adjustments which schools should consider as an alternative adjustment to scribe use.

The Writing test results for a student will not be processed if a student:

• used a Scribe without prior approval of BOSTES; and
• was approved to use a Scribe but the NAPLAN Scribe Rules were not followed.

The Application to use a Scribe and Application to use a computer forms can be downloaded from the BOSTES website. The NAPLAN Scribe Rules will also be provided in the back of the Test Administration Handbook for Teachers.

For more information, contact:
NAPLAN team
naplan.nsw@bos.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8382