NEWSLETTER #82

We're always looking to make EAZ MAG more compatible with other systems and we currently link with all of the major Management Information Systems (MIS) through a WONDE link which allows schools to transfer pupils and factors from their MIS into EAZ MAG.

However we're currently piloting a system where schools can export data directly from EAZ MAG into an MIS, specifically Arbor in the first instance, but with BROMCOM next on the list.

So schools can use EAZ MAG to seamlessly export all the trust level data directly into Arbor automatically. If you're interested in taking part in the pilot programme for this feature we'd love to hear from you.

Who doesn't love a matrix? And the Visual Map, or as it is often called 'the pink and greys', is a matrix that is possibly more relevant today than ever. It presents a concise representation of class/year group attainment data compared to a previous assessment; commonly end of EYFS or KS1 results.

In this way schools can easily identify and target underachieving pupils and quickly put a catch-up intervention in place. In this example you can clearly see the pupils at expected in KS1 who are now assessed at WTS. It's an ideal report for pupil progress meetings and can have a significant impact on improving attainment across the school. It's available in the Primary and EYFS systems in Reports.

The Big MAG has become the iconic report of the 2020s. Similarly to its fast food inspired name-sake, the Big MAG is substantial, multi-layered and served up in an instant.

It's based on the clean, simple reporting format of the Assessment Dashboard so beloved by senior leaders, but adds a side order of progress, extra factors and year group view.

It's basically a whole school summary of attainment and progress on a single page and some schools have started to use this as a central point for their assessment processes. They start with the Big MAG then drill down deeper into the areas that it identifies.

It's also the perfect report for subject leaders as the 'year group' view provides a whole school view of attainment and progress for any subject in a single table.

And with a variety of new export options based on requests from school leaders it continues to develop. If you're hungry for data, order a satisfying takeout from Reports > Big MAG.

A trend we've noticed over the last few years is the move away from dedicated assessment and tracking systems in favour of the onerous and less detailed tracking add-ons of Management Information Systems, and/or a return to school leaders and teachers preparing their own attainment and progress information manually on spreadsheets.

With budgets currently tight it's easy to see why this would be the case. However this is possibly a short sighted view with the hours and hours of manual data analysis actually costing far more in terms of teaching hours and the associated implications for work life balance and teacher burn out.

However, an increasing number of schools are now using EAZ MAG in conjunction with their MIS. Utilising EAZMAG for their own assessment and tracking needs, while using the system to generate and transfer the data required by their trusts. It's a situation where everyone wins; the trust receives their data in the correct format and schools can still access all the time saving benefits of EAZMAG.

For a report that's useful at any time, but especially so at this point in the year, look no further than GLD (Best Fit). It's a concise, functional summary of attainment in the GLD areas of learning with a choice of strand and aspect views. It's the first port of call for many EYFS settings when analysing data and provides an essential tracking guide for GLD.

And for those schools wanting a full analysis of all 17 ELGs, check out Reports > EYFS Statistics > ELG Analysis.

As you hopefully already know, EAZ MAG is a non-profit company with all profits donated to our partner charity; Clifton Learning Partnership. This has at least partially supported the provision of this year's annual Funfest; a celebration event for the whole community with events, refreshments and amusements. This year's Funfest took place on a glorious Saturday in June and was a huge success with a bumper attendance enjoying an increased selection of attractions. Many thanks to EAZ MAG subscribers for helping to make this possible.

And finally, check out our latest offer: If your trust is currently with another provider but want to switch to EAZ MAG, we'll set your systems up, you can use them immediately and you'll pay nothing until your existing contract expires (up to one year)*.