A teaching union is sending advice to teachers after a “sudden rise” in freedom of information (FOI) requests about 2021 assessment practices.
The large number of FOI requests from parents and students in Scotland is a sign of the “worry and confusion” about the Alternative Certification Model (ACM) - established this year after Covid led to the cancellation of national exams - says the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA).
The SSTA says it has been fielding a number of concerns from members that they may have to deal with complaints from parents and students over the summer.
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The SSTA said this afternoon that it is issuing the following advice on FOI requests: “A symptom of the worry and confusion surrounding the Alternative Certification Model has been a sudden rise this week in the number of parents and learners making freedom-of-information requests to schools and local authorities in relation to assessment instruments and procedures.
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“No teacher should be expected to gather any evidence in relation to FOI requests during their annual leave. On receipt of such a request, the local authority should respond on behalf of the school with an acknowledgement and a timescale for a response. Live [Scottish Qualifications Authority - SQA ] materials and licensed materials must not be shared by schools, even if the request is made by FOI.”
The SSTA advice adds: “For members’ information, there are restrictions on what can be shared (eg, not scripts/answers but only marks and markers’ comments). The time scale for responding to an FOI request after results have been announced is one month. If it is before then the response must be made within five months of the date of the request or within 40 days from when the results are published (whichever is earlier). There should be no requirement to share information which has already been shared.
“Learners with concerns should be directed to the SQA appeals procedure. If a learner submits an appeal then SQA may contact the school after 10 August to request evidence. Under no circumstances should evidence be released directly to parents.”
Before the SSTA’s concerns about a surge in FOI requests emerged this afternoon, the SQA issued a statement to mark the close today of the service for receiving provisional results from schools, colleges and training providers in 2021. The next landmark date will be 10 August, when SQA certificates are due to issued.
SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson said: “I know this has been a very challenging year for everyone involved in education. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported the design and delivery of the alternative certification model during this very difficult time.
”SQA appreciates the continued hard work, collaboration and dedication of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers and support staff. We know they have worked tirelessly in supporting their learners.
“SQA carried out a national quality assurance exercise in every school, college and training provider delivering National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. This included almost 500 appointees who are experienced teachers and lecturers, and whose contribution to delivering the alternative certification model is hugely appreciated.
“We also wish to thank all of Scotland’s learners, their parents and carers. Learners have shown great resilience and worked exceptionally hard to achieve their best.”
The SQA said that more information was available here.
