Setting or Amending Baselines in TrackAble

***Click here to view the 'Baselining Video' ***

A baseline tells TrackAble where a pupil is starting from in a particular subject or framework. It's the foundation for tracking progress throughout the year. Understanding when baselines are needed—and how to set them—is essential for accurate data tracking.

What is a Baseline?

A baseline is the starting level you assign to a pupil in a subject or assessment framework. It marks where the pupil was at the beginning of their learning journey, so the system can accurately track their progress over time.

When a Baseline IS Required

You must set a baseline if:

• The pupil was taught this content last year — If you taught them in the same framework or pathway, a baseline informs TrackAble what has already been covered
• The pupil joins mid-year at a higher level — If a new pupil's initial assessment shows they're already working above the starting level
• The pupil cannot start at level 1 — If they're working above the lowest level, preceding levels must be marked as complete or baselined first, otherwise their progress won't be counted

When a Baseline IS NOT Required

You do not need to set a baseline if:

• Teaching something completely new — If the pupil has never done this content before (e.g., a new GCSE option subject introduced this year)
• Brand new pupil in early years — If a pupil is a new starter in Early Years or Reception
• Pupil starts at the absolute lowest level — If the pupil is working from level 1 in a framework where everything will be taught from the beginning

Method 1: Setting Baselines on the Assessment Screen

Use this method when you want to review statements or descriptors before assigning a baseline:

1. Go to the Assessment Screen for the pupil/subject
2. View the levels and statements to understand what each represents
3. Select the appropriate level for the pupil's starting point
4. Click the Edit button
5. Click the Baseline button
6. Save

This method is best when you want to carefully review the criteria before making a decision.

Method 2: Bulk Baselining

Use this method if you already know the curriculum well and need to set baselines for multiple subjects at once:

1. Go to the View Baselines page
2. Enter the levels for each subject/pupil
3. Select the correct academic year
4. Click Submit
5. All baselines save at once

This is faster when you're confident in your baseline decisions and setting multiple at the same time.

Amending or Removing a Baseline

If a baseline needs to be changed:

Who can amend: Only Management users or TrackAble admin at your school can modify baselines.

When you might need to amend:

• A mistake was made when setting the baseline
• A pupil has regressed below their initial baseline level

How to amend:

• Edit the level on the Assessment Screen, or
• Use the View Baselines page to clear and update

Important rules:

• The system will not allow two baselines for the same subject
• The system will not allow recorded progress to exist before a baseline (so you must have a baseline before you can mark any stars as complete)

Why Accuracy Matters

Setting the correct baseline is crucial because:

• It establishes the pupil's starting point for the entire year
• It ensures all marked progress is counted from the right starting point
• Changing a pupil's baseline mid-year can significantly impact your school's data and progress tracking
• Carefully consider and select the right level before inputting a baseline

Take time to assess where the pupil truly is before setting their baseline. If unsure, review their previous work or assessments first.