Margaret Hodge’s article (TES, February 20) regarding performance tables and their alleged importance in “raising standards, promoting equality and fostering excellence” is founded on some unchallenged assumptions.
What is it exactly that is being tested in national tests and what do the results demonstrate about what learners know and understand?
I would argue that they basically tell us how well you have done in the test “quiz”, demonstrating which schools focused well on this particular “game”.
It is only one of many learning “games” that can be played, so why should it be given such a paramount position?
DAVID R CROSS
32 Canterbury Terrace Leicester Letters should be kept as brief as possible and may be cut. They should be sent to The Editor, The TES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1 9XY
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