Rebecca Clarkson MA PGCE
Research Manager
assessment@nfer.ac.uk, +44(0)1753 637119
Rebecca currently works on the development of National Curriculum tests in English for Key Stage 2 with particular responsibility for spelling and aspects of writing development. She has been a member of this project team for the six years she has been at NFER, contributing to every aspect of reading and writing test development, not only for NC tests but also for the single level pilot. For both projects this role has involved designing teacher questionnaires, carrying out informal trialling and running marker training sessions for both reading and writing. Rebecca has been involved in the international PISA study, which involved text searching and writing items for 6 reading testlets. Other projects with a literacy aspect have included an evaluation of a literacy scheme to improve writing, using a randomised control trial, and a survey of the reading attitudes of pupils in Years 4 and 6.
Rebecca also has an interest in e-assessment; developing a number of the reading e-assessment units that are part of the NFER formative assessment service, and undertaking research to establish how these e-assessments and reports are used in schools. Her other work, in this area, has included a literature review of the feasibility of an onscreen English assessment for KS3, and the initial development of a prototype for an on-screen English assessment for KS3. She is currently leading an evaluation of the Start arts programme.
Previously, Rebecca worked as a primary school teacher, and was an assessment co-ordinator in a three-form entry junior school.
Selected publications
Sainsbury, M., and Clarkson, R. (March 2008). Attitudes to reading at ages nine and eleven. Slough: NFER. [Available online]