Scrapping SATs 'just an election gimmick'
CAMPAIGNERS in Islington say they are not being taken in by schools secretary Ed Balls' announcement that tests for 11-year-olds could be scrapped by 2012.
The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families has suggested that SATs in the last year of primary school could be replaced by teacher assessment- but teachers believe it is little more than a pre-election gimmick.
Ken Muller, National Union of Teachers (NUT) representative, said: "It is progress, but I don't think he goes far enough. The solution he is proposing still links to league tables, and I am against that. I think the schools minister is worried about losing votes."
Mr Balls' words came after teachers threatened to boycott SATs tests next year.
If the boycott goes ahead it would take place during the General Election, and campaigners believe this is behind the change of tack.
Sue Seifert, executive headteacher of Canonbury School, in Canonbury Road, Islington, said: "Ed Balls does not want to fight us because we are coming up to a general election."
Michael Rosen, children's author and supporter of Islington's anti-SATs campaign, believes Mr Balls' words show the government has realised the tests have been a failure. He said: "SATs make children anxious, and the idea of a SATs outline has been discredited. In some countries they believe thinking is important."
The NUT will go ahead with a SAT boycott ballot next year. It is believed the result will still be a 'yes'.
|
|
|
|
|
|