What is the PIPS Assessment?

PIPS stands for Performance Indicators in Primary Schools.  The PIPS On-Entry Baseline Assessment is part of the range of PIPS assessments developed by the Curriculum Evaluation and Management Centre (CEM).  CEM is based at the University of Durham, England and provides performance indicator assessments for all years, from entry to exit.  Further information can be found at the CEM website at www.cemcentre.org.

The PIPS On-Entry Baseline Assessment is a CD-ROM based program designed to assess students entering primary school and can assist with:

assessing the progress of students in literacy, numeracy and phonological awareness.

diagnosing individual student work and providing data to indicate what areas students are achieving or underachieving.

predicting future performance for identifying individuals who might benefit from early intervention.

The PIPS On-Entry Baseline Assessment is firmly based on research across the world into the progress of students in primary schools. All assessment items are highly correlated with future literacy and numeracy.  The On-Entry Baseline Assessment is not restricted to any curriculum and it allows progress to be assessed in many different contexts.  It is important to note that PIPS is not designed to assess students against local curriculum objectives.  PIPS is also useful in its capacity to help schools in terms of their accountability and reporting.

PIPS Australia at Murdoch University is authorised by CEM to coordinate the PIPS On-Entry Baseline Assessment within Australia.  At this stage, the On-Entry Baseline Assessment is the only assessment from the range that is available in Australia.

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