SPARCS - Spelling, Processing speed, and Reading Comprehension Speed, Product Range

The new SPaRCS is a UK and Irish normed standardised group test of Spelling, Processing speed and Reading Comprehension Speed. It is a test for Teachers that wish to find a suitable alternative to the current range of tests available.  It's a time saving, up to date test for students to complete. It is also suitable for access arrangement applications (reader, scribe and extra time)* and is a tool for year group screening in order to identify students that may need additional support and intervention.

The SPaRCS was created in order to provide teachers with an up to date, accurate, useful and time-saving assessment tool that can be used to quickly identify students that are in need of additional support and intervention and identify those that may qualify for access arrangements in their examinations.

The SPaRCS can be used in a group setting (e.g. whole class screening) to assess those core academic and thinking skills that students need in order to perform effectively in school and exams – Spelling, Processing Speed, and Reading Comprehension Speed (SPaRCS).

The test has been normed with a UK and Irish population and demonstrates reliability.

Benefits

The main benefits of the SPaRCS are:

• Speedy (administered comfortably in one 40 minute class period!) 
• Produces reliable standard scores 
• Access Arrangements – apply for 25% extra time, reader, and scribe in the UK* 
• Reliable – Cost effective – Very affordable Selective – can identify students in need of intervention that may otherwise fly under the radar

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SPARCS STARTER KIT?

• 1 x SPaRCS manual
• 1 x 25 pack SPaRCS student response booklets

SUBTEST OVERVIEW

SPELLING: Single word spelling test. Administration time = 10-15 minutes approx.

Description: Examiner orally presents up to 40 single words. Students write the spellings of each. No time limit.

PROCESSING SPEED: Letter & digit matching task. Administration time = 2 minutes.

Description: Strict time limit applied. Student works at speed through a basic matching and copying task with alphabet letters and numbers. Accurate timing essential.

READING COMPREHENSION SPEED: Short passage reading and cloze test. Administration time = 10 minutes.

Description: Strict time limit applied. Student works at speed reading through a series of short passages with some words missing. The student must read for meaning (comprehension) and circle the correct missing words from a list of 4-5 words supplied with each passage. Accurate timing essential.

Age: 13:0 - 18:11 year olds Administration

Time: approx. 40 minutes for entire test (subtest can be given individually) Mode: Pen and Paper

Authors: Dr. Kate James; Rebecca Good and Trevor James

Publication: 2018

Restriction level: Low

Suitable for: Teachers, SENCo's, psychologists