Unsatisfactory SATS

I recall the introduction of Standard Assessment Tests '“SATS, amidst much complaint, when my own children were at school. Their introduction has been followed over the years by continued grumbling by teachers, parents and pupils. The initial system of establishing national standards has been developed as a measure for the many targets set by central government for both teacher and pupil development and bad results can lead not only to teacher dismissal but also school closures.

I recall the introduction of Standard Assessment Tests '“SATS, amidst much complaint, when my own children were at school. Their introduction has been followed over the years by continued grumbling by teachers, parents and pupils. The initial system of establishing national standards has been developed as a measure for the many targets set by central government for both teacher and pupil development and bad results can lead not only to teacher dismissal but also school closures.

This year's SATS test results for primary and secondary pupils have become embroiled in missed deadlines, lost papers and allegations over the quality of marking resulting in extensive media coverage.

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It appears that this is yet another bad example of work being contracted out and another costly computerised system. For months, markers and would-be markers have been signalling that there were problems with ETS, the American company contracted to mark the national tests. Initially these related to communication problems in the recruitment and training and assessment processes. Some experienced markers got fed up and dropped out of the system. Markers reported that the new system of entering a pupil's marks onto a new computer system was enormously time-consuming and problematic in cases where pupils were not shown as having been registered to take the tests.

I have talked to children, from local schools in East Sussex, who have not received their full set of results before the end of term. They feel that the tests as a whole are not conducive to good learning progress. For months before the tests there is an emphasis on teaching the children to pass the tests rather than giving a good rounded education.

An inquiry is to be carried out by a former Ofsted Chief Inspector, Lord Sutherland, but there has been no Government apology for the shambles. Teacher Unions and many Head Teachers are now calling for this year's results to be annulled amid concerns about quality.

The marking of this year's national tests has been a disgrace. Pupils and teachers are expected to work hard for these tests and the stakes are high. The least the Government can do is ensure that they are marked properly. ETS should not receive a penny for the poor quality work. They must be made to explain why action was not taken when news of problems from experienced markers was received.

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This whole sorry story has damaged what little confidence was left in the tests taken by 14 year olds. They are expensive, unnecessary and the results are unreliable. Liberal Democrats believe it is time for them to be scrapped. The substantial sum of money saved should be used to identify and address educational failure where it first arises '“ in infant and primary schools.

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