ATL comment on leaked assessment report

“The contents of this leaked report must have been uncomfortable reading for education ministers; it is highly critical of how classroom assessment has become dominated by the Government’s school accountability agenda. The commission rightly highlights the negative impact that the Government’s school accountability system has had on assessment in schools. Teachers have been concerned about this situation for years – will ministers now listen to their own commission on this issue?

“The Commission should be commended for treating teachers as professionals and offering frank and honest guidance about the roles of assessment in schools, and the challenges of developing strong assessment policies and procedures. The report contains much common sense and presents a strong case for claiming back formative assessment; teachers will welcome this report and value its content.

“As it stands the report and the Government response will be published in September, after schools and teachers are expected to have developed their new assessment procedures. In delaying the report the Department for Education demonstrates yet again that saving face is of greater priority than ensuring that teachers are given support and guidance on Government policy to ensure that our children and young people receive the education that they deserve.”