NUT –making a difference on assessment

Government moves on SATs

Last week’s statement from Ed Balls that SATs will go ahead in 2010 is clearly disappointing. However, the Government has said it will introduce “a light touch moderation process” for teacher assessment at Key Stage 2 from 2011. It will consult on the introduction of this system.

In his statement, Ed Balls said that he has “decided to take a step further in recognising the value of teacher assessments” and that “the assessment and testing system is not set in stone”. This is significant movement from the Government and is a tribute to the success of the joint NUT/NAHT campaign.

We are pleased with this movement from the Secretary of State. We welcome it and we have called for further discussion with Government to achieve further progress. The Government is responding to the pressure of the joint NUT/NAHT campaign. The NUT will continue to pursue its Annual Conference policy that SATs should go.

APP is voluntary – QCDA pledges its support

We have sought further assurances from the QCDA on APP. They have confirmed that it is voluntary, should be used to aid assessment for learning and is a professional matter for teachers.

Crucially the QCDA have clearly stated that APP should not increase workload.

We welcome these reassurances, which vindicate the NUT’s campaigning work on APP.

STOP PRESS: LAST CHANCE TO VOTE. If you’ve got a SATs indicative ballot paper, this must be returned to the independent scrutineer by midday on Monday 30 November.

NUT General Secretary Christine Blower says:

“The NUT’s campaigning work is clearly having very positive effects. There is obviously still a long way to go in making sure that we have an assessment system that is good for children, for teachers and for education. However, recent movement from the Government and reassurances from the QCDA on assessment show the value of our campaigning. I’d like to thank all NUT members who’ve taken part in our campaigns on SATs and APP and urge you to keep up the pressure.”