A reading pen used for particular tasks usually counts as a supplementary adjustment in the NCCD. To be included, the student must have received it, or other adjustments at that level or above, for at least 10 weeks of school in the 12 months before the August collection. Keep evidence in the four areas NCCD asks for: needs, adjustments, monitoring and consultation.
What the NCCD is
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability counts students who receive adjustments because of disability, and the level of adjustment they receive. Schools collect it every August, and the data informs Australian Government funding for students with disability. The collection is built on teachers' professional judgement about the adjustments they actually provide.
Which level is a reading pen?
The level reflects all the adjustments a student receives, not a single device.
| Level | What it means | Where a reading pen fits |
|---|---|---|
| Support within quality differentiated teaching practice | Adjustments that are part of usual good teaching | A pen in a class toolbox that any student may pick up |
| Supplementary | Adjustments for particular activities at specific times | A pen the student uses for set tasks, such as worksheets, textbooks and assessments. The most common level for a reading pen |
| Substantial | Considerable adjustments at most times on most days | A pen as one of several frequent supports, such as modified tasks, regular adult support and assessment provisions |
| Extensive | Highly individualised, intensive adjustments at all times | Rare for a reading pen on its own |
Which category?
NCCD records one of four categories: physical, cognitive, sensory or social-emotional. A reading difficulty such as dyslexia is usually recorded as cognitive. A diagnosis is not required: teachers can impute a disability based on their professional judgement and the evidence they hold.
The 10-week rule
The adjustment must be provided for at least 10 weeks of school, not counting holidays, in the 12 months before the collection. The weeks don't need to be consecutive, and any week the pen was used counts. A pen introduced in Term 3 may not reach 10 weeks by August, so start early.
The four types of evidence
| Evidence type | For a reading pen, keep |
|---|---|
| Assessed needs | Reading assessments, teacher observations, any specialist or therapist reports |
| Adjustments provided | The learning plan naming the pen, and a simple record of when and how it is used |
| Monitoring and review | Progress notes, such as task completion or comprehension with and without the pen |
| Consultation and collaboration | Notes from meetings with the student, family and any therapist |
The baseline and end-of-trial measures from a reading pen trial make good monitoring evidence (see the reading pen trial template).
One record, three uses
The same evidence supports:
- the student's NCCD record
- a senior exam provision application, which asks for evidence that the pen is the student's normal way of working (see the exams guide)
- funding and purchasing decisions within the school (see the funding guide).
Quick checklist
- Name the pen in the student's learning plan
- Record when and how it is used each week
- Note progress at least once a term
- Keep notes of conversations with the family
- Check the student will reach 10 weeks before the August collection
Frequently asked questions
What NCCD level is a reading pen?
Usually supplementary, when the student uses it for particular tasks. The level reflects all the adjustments a student receives, so it can be substantial if the pen is one of several frequent supports.
What NCCD category is dyslexia?
A reading difficulty such as dyslexia is usually recorded in the cognitive category.
Does a student need a diagnosis to be counted in the NCCD?
No. Teachers can impute a disability based on professional judgement and the evidence they hold.
How long must an adjustment be in place for the NCCD?
At least 10 weeks of school, not counting holidays, in the 12 months before the August collection. The weeks don't need to be consecutive.
More C-Pen guides for schools and therapistsSetup help, exam provisions, funding and model comparisons in one place.
