P1 testing rollout was a mess, say one-third of parents

Only seven per cent thought national assessments had been ‘well-handled’

MORE than one-third of Scottish parents think primary schools mishandled the introduction of controversial new tests that left some pupils distressed.

A survey shows only seven per cent of respondents thought the introduction of standardised national assessments in literacy and numeracy for pupils in P1 was “well handled”.

Sixty per cent had a “negative” view of the tests, with more than one-third overall having a very “negative view” of the process.

The social media poll of more than 364 parents across the country by parent body Connect found onethird thought that, in general, the tests had been handled well, but they would have liked more information.

The poll comes as pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government to scrap the P1 literacy and numeracy assessments, which teachers said have left some pupils “shaking and crying”.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats are already pressing for a parliamentary vote on the issue unless the assessments are scrapped.

However, Education Secretary John Swinney said Government guidance on the administration of the assessments was clear there should be no distress.

The tests in P1 are part of a raft of new assessments to help teachers judge the progress of pupils, with further testing in P4, P7 and S3. The Government argues testing in the first year of primary is important because it gives an idea of what level pupils are at when they come to school.

However, the online survey by Connect found 60% of those who responded expressed a “negative” or “very negative” view of them. Just 8% were positive.

Parents were also concerned about the lack of information provided by schools, with 70% not knowing their child was taking an assessment and 94% not having any feedback. More than 90% of parents were unaware they could opt for their child not to take the assessments.

Eileen Prior, executive director of Connect, said the organisation was “very concerned” about the ways in which assessments were being implemented in some schools.

She said: “Technology does not always seem to be available for children to take assessments in their own classrooms. Some parents report that this has been upsetting and confusing for their child.

“Not only are the tests for P1s flying in the face of Curriculum for Excellence principles, they are simply not appropriate. Research shows children at this age should be learning through play.

“The tests continue the formalisation of the early level curriculum to the detriment of many. This was a view regularly expressed by teachers and headteachers who responded to another survey amongst professionals carried out on behalf of Connect.”

The survey also highlighted considerable differences in the approaches schools used to explain the assess-

ments to children. Some were told it was a game on the computer while some were told they were having a test.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introduced the tests as a response to concerns over falling standards of literacy and numeracy and a lack of consistent data across the country.

Mr Swinney said: “The assessments ensure for the first time that all schools will undertake the same assessments, providing consistency and an important means for teachers to identify children’s next steps in learning.

“That is especially valuable in early years if we are to continue to close the attainment gap. Our approach was developed after extensive engagement with teachers, parents, children and academics.

“Teachers have the flexibility to manage the assessments to ensure they are a positive experience for all children.”