Unions launch campaign to reform SATs

The Association of Teachers and The National Union of Teachers and Lecturers claim that SATs tests are “stressful and demotivating” for pupils and should not be used to compile league tables

The Unions claim that students are taught a limited and unbalanced curriculum as teachers teach the knowledge necessary to pass the test.

ATL General Secretary, Mary Bousted, argues that by teaching to the test, you don't help children think, or help them to connect:

"We want real assessment which gives real information."

According to research quoted by the Unions, 30 per cent of pupils test scores are unreliable. Teacher assessment, they claim, is an effective way to promote further learning as well as to assess individual performance.

Education Secretary, Michael Gove, claimed that the Sats tests provide “valuable objective data”, which is vital for the accountability system:

"I do accept there are flaws with the current testing system so I am committed to reviewing national curriculum tests [Sats] to ensure they are as rigorous as possible and in the best interests of schools, children, parents and the public.”