How to use the app
The app is designed so that a teaching assistant can set up and run a probe without needing technical knowledge.
- Add the pupil using initials only.
- Choose one small, clearly defined skill to practise.
- Add the probe items and establish the starting level.
- Practise the target regularly.
- Run the timed probe and record correct and incorrect responses.
- Use the progress information to decide whether to continue, adapt or move on.
Looking after pupil data and backups
PrecisionTeaching.uk stores pupil and probe records locally in the browser you are using. The records are not designed to be stored in the PrecisionTeaching.uk licensing database and they do not automatically appear on another computer, browser or user profile.
Export a backup at least once each week. Select Export data in the app and save the downloaded JSON backup file in your school's approved secure network or cloud storage. Do not routinely keep pupil-data backups in personal email, personal cloud accounts, unapproved USB devices or other locations that fall outside your school's data-protection arrangements.
Export again before clearing browser data, changing computer, changing browser or browser profile, having a device reset/replaced, or carrying out significant IT maintenance. Browser data can be lost if local storage is cleared or the device/profile is removed.
Importing replaces the data currently stored in that browser. If the browser already contains records that might be needed, export those records first. Then select Import data, choose the appropriate Precision Teaching JSON backup and confirm the replacement.
Use pupil initials rather than full names and follow your school's own policies for device security, access, retention, deletion and backups. The school remains responsible for the pupil information it chooses to enter and store locally.
Choosing what to practise
When you create an intervention, choose the type of skill. The app then gives you the appropriate controls — there are no codes or special formatting to learn.
Reading, phonics, spelling, letters and numbers: type the targets as a simple list. Maths: enter each question and its answer in separate boxes. Colours: click the colours you want the pupil to identify. Shapes: click the shapes you want the pupil to identify.
During a probe the pupil sees one stimulus at a time. The adult records Correct or Error. Precision Teaching is best used for a small skill that has already been taught and now needs practice to become accurate and fluent.
Skill area and learning channel
Precision Teaching does not only identify what is being practised. It also defines how the pupil receives the stimulus and how they respond. These are often described as learning channels. When creating an intervention, choose both the skill area and the learning channel.
See → Say: the pupil sees the stimulus and says the response, for example seeing because and reading it aloud, or seeing 7 + 3 and saying 10.
See → Write: the pupil sees the stimulus and writes the response, for example seeing 7 × 4 and writing 28.
Hear → Say: the adult says the stimulus without showing it to the pupil and the pupil responds orally.
Hear → Write: the adult says the stimulus without showing it to the pupil and the pupil writes the response. Spelling from dictation is a clear example.
See → Point / Select: the pupil sees a stimulus and indicates the correct response by pointing or selecting. This may be useful for some early learning and SEND tasks.
The same curriculum skill can therefore be practised through different channels. For example, a spelling target could be Hear → Write, while word reading would usually be See → Say. The app displays a short explanation when each channel is selected.