Trends in the use of Concessions Facilitators: What the Data Shows and Why It Matters

BrightSparkz has many years of experience providing families with Concessions and Accommodations facilitators. That’s why we would like to share some of our insights into the trends in the use of concessions facilitators that we see. Along with providing some insight into the data, we’ll also walk you through its importance and associated recommendations. 

Our data indicates a clear trend: parents are more likely to book Concessions Facilitators (CFs) for their children only during major exams. There is a clear increase in demand during mid-year assessments and year-end assessments. As a result, students often complete smaller term tests without the support of their approved concessions. While this approach may seem practical, particularly from a cost-saving perspective, it has significant implications for learners who rely on facilitators to perform at their best.

To learn more about Concessions and Accommodations, check out our Ultimate Guide.

The Potential Consequences of Limited Facilitator Use

While restricting Concession Facilitator (CF) use to major exams may reduce costs, it can also negatively impact both the learner’s performance and their ability to effectively use a CF when it truly counts. Without regular practice, students may struggle to adjust to the presence of a scribe, reader, or other accommodations during crucial exams. This lack of familiarity can lead to slower response times, increased stress, and a failure to complete assessments within the allotted time. In some cases, learners may even underperform relative to their true potential simply because they have not had enough opportunities to refine their use of concessions facilitators.

Optimal Use of Concessions Facilitators is a Skill

Working with a Concession Facilitator (CF), especially a scribe, is a skill that requires practice. Dictating complex answers at a pace that allows a scribe to accurately record responses is not an innate ability – it must be learned and refined over time. Students who practice using a CF regularly are better equipped to manage their time efficiently during exams, ensuring they can complete their assessments. Additionally, they develop a better working relationship with their CF, allowing them to communicate instructions more effectively and maximise the support provided. Consistency in CF use can make a meaningful difference in exam performance and overall confidence. This increase in confidence can also help to reduce seizure triggers for those with epilepsy. 

Recommendations for Optimizing Facilitator Use

1. Consistent CF Support – If financially feasible, it is ideal for students to have a CF for every assessment where their accommodations apply. This ensures consistent practice and helps the learner build confidence in their abilities.
2. Prioritising Key Subjects – If hiring a CF for every term test is not an option, parents can consider prioritising problem subjects. Ensuring CF support for subjects where the child struggles most can strike a balance between cost and academic performance.
3. At-Home Practice – For families unable to book CFs for every assessment, parents can help their children practice dictation skills under assessment conditions. Simulating exam environments at home can help students develop fluency in working with a scribe and improve their ability to structure responses effectively.
4. Training with a CF Before Major Exams – Even if students do not use a CF for every test, arranging for a few practice sessions before major exams can be beneficial. This allows them to refresh their skills and adjust to working with a CF before high-stakes assessments.

By adopting a strategic approach to Concession Facilitator (CF) usage, parents and educators can help students make the most of their accommodations. Whether through consistent CF support, or targeted practice, ensuring that learners are comfortable and proficient in working with a CF can lead to improved academic outcomes and reduced exam anxiety.

Other Trends in the Use of Concessions Facilitators

Based on our internal data for 2024, BrightSparkz Tutors has been able to put together the following graphs, depicting facilitator use. Enjoy! 

If you need to book a facilitator for an upcoming assessment, reach out to BrightSparkz and we’ll make sure to get you set up with the very best.