Targets for trust

6th November 1998, 12:00am

Share

Targets for trust

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/targets-trust
The news that there have been widespread complaints about the marking of the key stage 2 tests (page 3) is alarming. We know that the teaching profession was sceptical when tests were introduced; but they have since accepted them in the interests of increased accountability, information for parents and other teachers, and because they do function - in some cases - as a useful focus and motivator.

Now the Government, in its efforts to raise standards, has introduced targets. The result is that rather rough-and-ready tests have suddenly become very high stakes indeed. What was judged a suitable level of attainment for an average child has been transformed into a minimum level of competence - with penalties if it isn’t achieved.

This transformation, however illegitimate in the eyes of statisticians, is defensible as a way of ratcheting up standards. But it won’t work without squeaky-clean marking. Our system is already bedevilled by lack of trust. The Government doesn’t trust the teachers, and the compliment is returned - with interest - by teachers who see themselves disparaged for political purposes (see Platform, previous page). If the tests’ credibility is undermined, we are all losers.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared