Both the National Union of Teachers and ATL believe that the National Curriculum assessment arrangements are in urgent need of reform. We believe that assessment involving all pupils should focus on enhancing their learning, not on evaluating schools. Other forms of evaluation should focus on institutional effectiveness. Sample tests should be used to help evaluate the education service as a whole. This paper argues that the replacement of current national testing arrangements at Key Stage 2 by moderated teacher assessment, together with sample testing, would benefit pupils, parents, the Government, and teachers. It also outlines the necessary developments needed to put such changes into place.

Click here for more.

League tables scuppered now SATs must go!

Thanks to all those head teacher and leadership members who took action in May 2010 to frustrate the administration of SATs.

The abolition of SATs and league tables will reduce workload and free teachers to teach creatively. Marking practice test papers generates significant additional workload for teachers and that work will go when SATs are abolished. Click here for the full text of NUT News May 2010

Let your new MP know why SATs and league tables should go

The change of government presents an opportunity we should not miss. Both coalition partners have expressed some concerns about the current arrangements. Please email your new MP to seek their support for our viable alternative to SATs and league tables.

We have prepared two different e-mails. One for classroom teachers here and another for members of the leadership group here.

Sign our petition

If you haven't already done so, please sign our petition to end SATs. Over 30,000 parents and teachers have already signed up. Please help our petition get even bigger by signing it here or downloading a copy here. The more of us who sign the petition the more chance we have of ending SATs. Download a petition poster here.'

Michael Rosen talked to Mumsnet on May 7, on SATs and education

Former Children's Laureate and anti-SATs campaigner Michael Rosen chatted to Mumsnet the Friday before SATs week. Those involved were very supportive of the SATS boycott.

One parent summed up "...our politicians could learn something from Michael Rosen about answering questions ... good luck to anyone involved in fighting against SATs - I hope the campaign succeeds before my little boys (3 and 15 months) have to worry about them."

Momentum is building to end SATs

Our campaign to end SATs is gathering more and more support from parents, experts and educationalists. Please click here to read what people are saying about SATs.

Frequently asked questions

Anti-SATs picnic

On Sunday 9 May, parents, children and teachers gathered in Jubilee Gardens in London to hold an anti-SATs picnic. Author Alan Gibbons joined children in reading from their favourite books and recited a poem against SATs. He highlighted the negative effect that SATs have on children's creativity. NUT General Secretary Christine Blower talked about the growing support from around the country for the boycott of 2010 SATs.

Click here to view a video of the anti-SATs picnic, or view our slideshow below.

All photos contributed by Peter Arkell.

Authors speak out against SATs and support NUT/NAHT boycott

We are delighted that Authors Against the SATs are supporting the NUT/NAHT boycott.

For the press release issued on Sunday 25 April please go here http://www.teachers.org.uk/authors-against-sats : Signatories include Michael Rosen, Alan Gibbons and Roger McGough.

For previous information about the SATs campaign and boycott click here.