Brown says primary Sats must stay

National Tests and Assessments – political views

With an election coming up, and politicians wading into education as well as much talk of a boycott of National Tests we wanted to give you an update on the main political parties (and unions) views of National Tests and Assessment.

Labour

Labour accepted the Expert Group on Assessment’s report in full: http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/Expert-Group-Report.pdf

Key Recommendations of Expert Group on Assessment

• End Key Stage 2 National Tests in Science but English and Maths to stay.
• Key Stage 2 tests to move to June (from 2011)
• Key Stage 3 tests still available for Year 9.
• Sample testing at Key Stage 3 to be
• Assessing Pupil Progress material to continue to be provided.
• Introduction of School Report Card by 2011.
• More support for transition including:
  • Cross-phase moderation of testing.
  • Extended Study to be completed in Year 6 and 7 between Primary and Secondary Schools.
  • One-to-one tuition funding for Year 7 and 8.
  • Additional Assessment in Year 7 for students below Level 4 at end of Key Stage 2.
  • A Chartered Assessor to be recruited by ALL schools by 2020 – Assessment Coordinator with training.

Conservatives

The Conservatives have commissioned Sir Richard Sykes to report on Assessment and thought his complete report has not been presented yet there are some highlights.

• New test of reading ability at end of Year 2.
• Key Stage 2 National Tests to be replaced by a teacher marked and moderated test for English, Maths and Science taken in first term of Year 7.
• GCSE and A-Levels will be tiered with ‘harder subjects’ – Science’s in particular getting more points and ‘easier subjects’ (Media Studies??) fewer points. The report will also downgrade diplomas and other non-academic qualifications.
• These new classifications of examination subjects will drive the new standards that Secondary schools will need to meet.

Liberal Democrats

As you might expect from the ‘third’ party we have a combination of the two!

• End testing at Key Stage 1 and 3 (done already)
• Retain tests at Key Stage 2 except Science.
• Recruit Chartered Assessors.
• Introduce diagnostic test for SEN pupils at age 5 and 11.

The Unions

The NAHT and NUT are petitioning for an end to National Tests at all Key Stages.

• They will ballot members early in 2010 about boycotting preparation and administration of the tests next May.
• The tests take place 1 week after the last possible date for an election so the timing couldn’t be worse for the government.
• The unions’ objections are based on narrow teaching in Year 6 and the stress it puts on children.

Let us have your views on testing and which set of policies would work in your school or for your kids. You don’t have to tell us how you are going to vote though!

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