Primary 1 tots ‘in tears over tests’
Scottish Labour highlight teachers’ concerns over standardised assessments
PRIMARY 1 pupils are being reduced to tears by new standardised tests, it was claimed yesterday.
Evidence collected for a forthcoming report shows there are real concerns about the effect the tests are having on kids, some as young as four.
Teachers have reported children being “terrified” as they walk in to sit the examination.
The tests have been introduced for P1, P4 and P7 pupils across Scotland.
One teacher said: “The planned primary tests are at best unnecessary and possibly detrimental, but the P1 test seems to be actively harmful.”
A P4 teacher added: “With so many children suffering from low self-esteem, and an increase in mental health issues, why is this happening? I truly despair.”
A primary headteacher stated: “The P7 test is lengthy and tricky. The first class did OK today but my heart broke for my Syrian refugee, who had no English six months ago.”
Scottish Labour are calling on the SNP Government to “halt these tests and stop harming our children”.
Education spokesman Iain Gray said: “The standardised testing policy was made up on the hoof by Nicola Sturgeon and has been a shambles ever since.
“Scotland’s children are paying the price, especially five-year-olds in P1.
“We were told these tests would not be ‘high stakes’ but these stories of young children being reduced to tears by testing show that was meaningless.
“This whole sorry exercise has already cost many millions more than it was supposed to, but it really needs to be halted because it is not working and children are suffering.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said last night: “Standardised assessments provide information to help teachers to check progress in early maths, literacy, development and behaviour, and identify where further support may be required.
“They are not ‘high stakes’ tests – they are age and stage appropriate. This approach was developed after extensive engagement with teachers, parents, children and academics.
“Teachers have the flexibility to manage these within the classroom in order to ensure that they are a positive experience for their children.”