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Commenting on the results of a survey ofmore than 30,500 teachers views on end of key stage tests analysed for the NUTby Dr Sean Neill, Doug McAvoy, NUT General Secretary, said:
This survey underlines the strong criticisms teachers have of these tests. The Governm
ent would be hard put to find a teacher who thinks they are beneficial, improve achievement, or promote a broad and balanced education for our children.
They narrow education, limit use ofprofessional judgement,place unnecessary stress on pupils and add significantlyto the workload of teachers without producing any benefits. Throughout the report, teachers emphasise thewaste of time and energy these tests represent for no real return.
The strength of Union members views isundoubtedly replicated across the profession. The Government should end thetests and free teachers to use teacher assessment to determine pupils needs andinform parents of pupil progress. I urge the Government now to agree to a review of the tests of the sameorder as has been put in place in Wales and Scotland.
The Unions national executive will studythis report, including the overwhelming support for a boycott, when it meets inearly November.
The Government must not continue to ignorethe strength of professional opinion based on many years of dealing with thesetests. The Government should nowabandon them and work with its partners for a viable alternative based onteacher assessment.
EN D PR.79a/03
For further information contact: Olive Forsythe tel: 020 7380 4706 (office) or 07879 480061.