Records of Understanding
The Records of Understanding include the relevant Benchmarks for each CfE level to support practitioners with the recording and reporting of learners’ progress in relation to national standards.
To effectively inform their professional judgement about learning and progress, practitioners will use assessment information gathered from a range of sources of evidence including day-to-day observations, learning conversations, products (e.g., jotter work, presentations, notes, projects or tests) planned periodic assessment and performance during learning activities.
While there is no prescriptive, ‘one size fits all’ approach, schools may find the suggested colour-coding system a useful way to monitor learners’ progress towards, and inform professional judgement about achievement of, a level. This guide provides further support.
When making a declaration that learners have achieved a level, practitioners will use their professional judgement. This will be well informed by information that has been continuously gathered and recorded over time. In order to achieve a CfE level, while it is not necessary for learners to demonstrate mastery of every individual aspect in the Benchmarks it is important that there are no major gaps in their learning i.e., no evidence. Practitioners should also consider the language of the Benchmarks (e.g., most, mainly accurate, makes an attempt to) so that judgements are fair, realistic, and appropriate for the age and stage of the learner.
This video provides further information and guidance for use in practice.
To further support practitioners to feel confident in their professional judgements, effective moderation practices should be developed within and across school settings. Engaging in professional dialogue with colleagues as well as professional learning and participation in wider networks will enhance assessment decisions and develop a shared understanding. Further information about the Benchmarks and guidance for their use can be found in A Statement for Practitioners from HM Chief Inspector of Education (2016).
Are your Records of Understanding missing First Level Tools for Listening and Talking benchmarks? Please use the following guidance document and video to support you with this issue.
Updating Your RU – First Level Tools for Listening and Talking
