Press Release
Make assessment measure up
16 July 2010
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) unite to call for an independent review of National Curriculum tests.
In a joint document, Make Assessment Measure Up, they say Key Stage tests do not drive up standards; they just cause additional stress for pupils, teachers and parents and are not reliable enough to be used for school league tables. Secondary schools know this, which is why they often retest pupils when they enter year 7. It is absurd to think that somehow a narrow set of tests can be used as a proxy for evaluating the success of schools.
We are not against assessment. What we want is meaningful assessment throughout school life. Assessment which is more accurate and focuses on what children can do, and what they need to learn next, rather than stigmatising them as failures for the things they can’t do.
The ATL and NUT believe that parents can get the most accurate and up-to-date information from their child’s teacher as tests do not assess children’s achievement across the whole curriculum.
Click here for the joint statement
Mary Bousted, General Secretary of ATL, said;
“Politicians need to understand that no assessment system can work properly if it is used for the kind of high stakes currently attached to tests and exams. They also need to look at the evidence; pupils progress better when they receive regular feedback on their work. While rethinking assessment the government should also rethink school accountability and invest in developing teachers, which is the only sure route to better achievement all round.”
Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said;
"The fact that members in schools boycotted the Key Stage 2 SATs this year, and that very many who didn't remain deeply opposed to the current high stakes testing system, is a very clear message to the Secretary of State. There is an opportunity to move forward on the basis of professionally acceptable assessment which will contribute to, not detract, from learning. I encourage the Secretary of State to seize that opportunity ."
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National Union of Teachers
