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10/05/2010
Head Teacher's SATS Boycott Begins
Thousands of children in England will be prevented from taking a compulsory reading test today as head teachers launch a boycott of national primary school tests, known as SATs.
About 600,000 10 and 11-year-olds were due to take the tests but heads and deputies from two big unions voted for a boycott after attempts to reach a deal with ministers collapsed.
Regardless of many parents' wishes estimates show that between a third and a half of all primary schools will boycott the SATs.
The exams are scheduled from Monday to continue until Thursday with writing, spelling and maths assessment.
The industrial action is being taken by the National Association of Head Teachers and heads and deputies in the National Union of Teachers but members have a choice on whether to stage the action or not.
The teachers believe the tests damage children's education because they encourage teachers to "teach to the test", resulting in other subjects being squeezed out of the curriculum. They argue that league tables humiliate schools and fail to present what they and their pupils really achieve.
Mick Brookes, NAHT general secretary, said: "I hope that those people who feel strongly about the way in which children are assessed in Year 6 will now have the ability to express their disquiet in a positive way."
Many local authorities have threatened to dock half a day's pay from teacher's whose Schools refuse to run the tests, however this action will be legally challenged by the NAHT.
(GK)
About 600,000 10 and 11-year-olds were due to take the tests but heads and deputies from two big unions voted for a boycott after attempts to reach a deal with ministers collapsed.
Regardless of many parents' wishes estimates show that between a third and a half of all primary schools will boycott the SATs.
The exams are scheduled from Monday to continue until Thursday with writing, spelling and maths assessment.
The industrial action is being taken by the National Association of Head Teachers and heads and deputies in the National Union of Teachers but members have a choice on whether to stage the action or not.
The teachers believe the tests damage children's education because they encourage teachers to "teach to the test", resulting in other subjects being squeezed out of the curriculum. They argue that league tables humiliate schools and fail to present what they and their pupils really achieve.
Mick Brookes, NAHT general secretary, said: "I hope that those people who feel strongly about the way in which children are assessed in Year 6 will now have the ability to express their disquiet in a positive way."
Many local authorities have threatened to dock half a day's pay from teacher's whose Schools refuse to run the tests, however this action will be legally challenged by the NAHT.
(GK)
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