Pupils CAN’T be forced to sit controversial new tests
CHiLDReN cannot be legally required to sit the sNP’s controversial new school tests, the scottish Government has admitted.
ministers were accused yesterday of trying to ‘deceive’ parents after it was confirmed that there is no ‘legal requirement’ to sit new standardised assessments.
The details emerged because emails between civil servants were released following a Freedom of information request.
This week it was revealed that teachers bombarded ministers with complaints about the tests, taken by pupils in P1, P4 and P7. an Foi response to the Liberal Democrats reveals officials admitted that children could be legally withdrawn from the standardised assessments.
During an email exchange about a parent’s demand to withdraw their child from the tests, a senior civil servant in education states: ‘Your parent is right that there is no legal requirement to sit the sNsa [scottish National standardised assessment]. On that basis the children can be withdrawn.’
Despite this, a guide to national testing produced by the scottish Government for parents and carers does not state they have a right to withdraw their children. There is also no mention of whether this right exists on the national testing website.
The eis union is considering boycotting testing of five-yearHowever, olds during the next school year.
scottish Liberal Democrat leader willie Rennie said: ‘Parents have the right to withdraw their children from national testing. the sNP Government hasn’t lifted a finger to tell them and avoided answering straight questions from parents about this. They have set out to deceive parents and people will be appalled.
‘The Government hasn’t told parents anything and stonewalled them when asked directly. They have done everything possible to give the impression that they are mandatory when they aren’t.
‘if John swinney isn’t going to listen to the feedback and scrap his damaging tests for those starting primary this august then his hand will need to be forced.’
The tests were introduced to help measure the attainment gap in schools. This week, a separate Foi response revealed that the Government has been bombarded with complaints from teachers about the ‘unnecessary and cruel’ new tests, including claims that primary one pupils have been left shaking, crying and distressed.
Yesterday, it was reported that the eis will formally discuss a boycott with members when they return after the summer holidays.
Opposition parties are also expected to demand a vote on abandoning the tests when parliament returns next week.
a scottish Government spokesman said: ‘as we have said previously, parents should talk to their child’s school if they have any queries about their child undertaking an assessment.
‘where a parent does not wish their child to participate then that is an option they can pursue.’