Children's charity warns against schools testing

A children's charity has raised concerns about the detrimental effect'' thathigh-stakes standardised testing'' could have on some youngsters.

Children in Scotland chief executive Jackie Brock insisted testing children in P1 - as the Scottish Government plans to do - is simply not appropriate for their age''.

She also raised concerns standardised assessments in the third year of secondary school would come at a time when students are already under significant exam pressure''.

Ms Brock spoke out ahead of the final debate on Education (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood, flagship legislation from the Scottish Government aimed at closing the attainment gap between pupils from different background.

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Liam McArthur has put forward amendments to the Bill, which if passed would require ministers to publish a report on the likely impact on the wellbeing of children of sitting standardised assessments''.

He also wants ministers to report on the quality of evidence that is expected to be obtained'' from national assessment of P1 pupils.

The National Improvement Framework for education put forward by the SNP administration includes proposals for standardised, national assessment of pupils in P1, P4, P7 and S3.

The tests, which are to be piloted this year ahead of being brought in across Scotland in 2017, will look at reading, writing and numeracy.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already said the assessments will provide for the first time a clear and consistent picture of how children and young people are progressing in their learning''.

Ms Brock said: There is clear evidence that high-stakes standardised testing, as proposed in the National Improvement Framework, can have a detrimental effect on all children's wellbeing. We have particular ethical concerns about this policy.

Testing P1 children is simply not appropriate for their age or stage of development. We also have serious doubts about the quality of evidence that will be obtainable from pupils in P1.

Testing of the kind proposed is similarly unsuitable at the other end of the scale in S3 when young people are already under significant exam pressure.''

She added: We recognise that assessment is central to teaching and learning, but believe that arrangements for national standardised assessments should be made by teachers.

There should be no national day, week or window when assessments must be completed - because of the pressure this puts on both pupils and teachers.''

Mr McArthur said: Assessment has always been a feature in our classrooms but the SNP's national testing plans will pile pressure on teachers and pupils, and pave the way for the return of league tables.

It is not too late for the Scottish Government to change their minds, but if they are determined to press ahead, my amendments will offer children and schools some protection from the pressure that the new testing arrangements would bring.

This is the least that SNP ministers can do. I hope that they will listen to Children in Scotland and others who have real concerns over these dangerous plans.''

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: The Scottish Government is working with local authorities, parents and others to ensure our education system delivers both excellence and equity for every child. All of the measures of this Bill have a role to play in helping to achieve that aspiration.''

She added: One source of data will be a new standardised assessment, focusing on reading, writing and numeracy. We have no interest in a return to high stakes testing.

This new system will help to reduce the burden of assessment, building on best practice and replacing the wide variety of approaches taken by local authorities with a new streamlined, consistent approach. Crucially, the assessments will inform teacher judgment, not replace it.''

• Local News