How are readers trained?
To qualify as official scorers for a task type, readers must take and pass a certification test demonstrating that they can apply the scoring standards to the same consistent standard as other scorers. At the beginning of each scoring session, or when changing to a different task type, trained readers must score a calibration set of 10 prescored essays with 90 percent accuracy. To familiarize themselves with each new topic, readers review topic notes, read prescored benchmark essays and commentary, and then practice scoring rangefinder essays before beginning operational scoring.
Trainees will have their experience and view of the wider church broadened by completing a placement in another parish in the Diocese (of a differing tradition or in a differing socio-economic area from their home parish). The trainee will reflect theologically on the experience and produce a presentation about their experience in the other parish at the Year Group meeting in late February. The fieldwork placement is intended to be for a period of 3 months, and trainees can choose when they would wish to do this within the period July – November. The deadline for their written work in preparation for the February presentation will be the middle of January. Additionally, after licensing, new Readers will have the opportunity to complete a placement in an area of work such as: • A church of a different tradition either within or outside the CofE. • A church in a different socio-economic area. • A chaplaincy: hospital, prison, industrial. • A placement in a setting of special interest to
