PIRLS - Progress in International Reading Literacy Study - PIRLS Marker 2022

Reference:MARKER/PIRLS/2022 

Closing date:20 July 2022 at midnight 

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PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) Coders are responsible for reliably assigning codes to responses of open-ended reading comprehension questions, following established guidelines. 

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an assessment of reading comprehension that has been monitoring trends in pupil achievement at five-year intervals since 2001. PIRLS takes place in over 60 countries and provides internationally comparative data about how well children from different countries read by the time they reach Year 5.  PIRLS provides analysis of how pupils perform, what kinds of reading strategies they use, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. 

Pearson is delivering PIRLS 2021 in England, on behalf of the Department for Education. The marking process on PIRLS is called coding. To administer this study, Pearson is recruiting external coders (i.e. markers). The coding window runs from 18th July – 12th August 2022. It should be noted that there is a possibility for the coding window to finish earlier than is listed above, depending on how quickly the coding is completed.

Shortlisted applicants will need to complete a short interview which will be conducted remotely, along with an interview task to assess suitability for the coding activity. 

Purpose

PIRLS coders carry out the coding of pupil responses to the questions in the PIRLS assessments. Detailed coding guides and training will be provided.  Coding will be carried out remotely, with coders working in teams supported by a Team Leader and Lead Coder.

Main Responsibilities 

Attend and participate in PIRLS coder training.

Code own allocation of responses consistently and accurately to ensure overall standards are maintained.

Demonstrate the ability to apply the marking guide correctly and to the internationally agreed standard through the coding of quality assurance samples and designated reliability items. 

Attend the Central Marking Panel (CMP) each day to be trained on items, update on coding progress and discuss any concerns.

Ensure all deadlines for marking are met.

Adhere to the key dates and instructions about coding provided by Pearson. 

Complete all administrative tasks as required and meeting deadlines. 

Maintain confidentiality in relation to all the work carried out for the assessments so the test security is not compromised. 

Qualifications

Candidates should have an A Level in English Language and/or English Literature (at Grade B or higher).

Educated to degree level (2:2 Degree, or above). 

Whilst there is no specification for degree subject, it is preferred for the degree to be in English, or related subject.  

Or,

You will be a qualified teacher.

Desirable Experience

Experience of teaching English at KS2.

Experience of marking English at KS2.

Competencies Required

IT literate

Able to give full concentration to complex tasks for extended periods

Able to analyse complex written material.

Able to meet tight deadlines.

Willingness to accept instructions and work within a pre-existing framework

Able to work well as part of a team.

Reliable and punctual.

Have a good attention to detail.

Essential requirements

Work will take place between 18 July 2022 and 12 August 2022, the role will require availability Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, suitable breaks will be provided. No other work commitments are allowed during those working hours in the coding period.  It should be noted that there is a possibility for the coding window to finish earlier than is listed above, depending on how quickly the coding is completed.  Some flexibility of hours may be possible, but the CMP will normally meet two/three times each day, including 9am and all coders will need to attend these meetings. 

You will need to have a PC/laptop which can operate the IEA Coding Expert Software. Windows Administrator rights may be required to install and run the CE software.  The software is not compatible with Apple Macs.

IEA Coding Expert software supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows desktop platforms.  The required system configuration includes:

- Windows 7 upwards installed on a PC/ laptop (Windows RT/Phone/Mobile Operating systems cannot be used);

- 2GB working memory;

- Reliable internet access.

Please note that the PIRLS software is not compatible with Apple Macs.

Additional Information

• 1.  PIRLS Marker Job Description 2022