Testing Lowers Standards
In The News, Ofsted, Secondary Education, Testing Friday, January 7th, 2011
Have Gilbert and OfSTED had an epiphany and seen the light? Or knowing that her days as honcho are numbered is she getting her own back?
For an organisation so determined to kowtow to politicians and hold on to power and funds, today’s Successful Science report is quite remarkable.
In its report based on the findings from 94 primary schools, 94 secondary schools, two special schools and 31 colleges visited between 2007 and 2010, OfSTED announced not only that “the quality of science education has improved over the past three years” but also that “the removal of the requirement for statutory tests in science at the end of Key Stages 2 and 3 has helped schools to avoid an undue concentration on revision in Years 6 and 9 and freed teachers to be innovative in planning their teaching and in enriching the science curriculum.”
Just in case you didn’t believe us the first time, the report says and we repeat the end of Key Stage 2 and 3 testing in science has meant teachers rather than teach to the test have been free to do what they were trained to do (i.e. teach) and science lessons and learning has significantly improved.
So, standardised testing isn’t the best way of raising standards, says Gilbert. We’re sure Gove didn’t like that. How can politicians keep harping on about SATS and other forms of standardised tests when the Government’s own inspection police say we’re better of without them?
Quite incredible. And long overdue.
Its informative one it should provide related information related to topic.
Hurrah!!!! People have seen the light!
How can testing ever raise standards?
Children who feel the pressure to perform will not be relaxed and comfortable in their learning environment- which is not conducive to effective learning. And teachers will only teach what is needed to pass the tests. How is this good teaching? – It Isn’t!!!!!