On the first day (3/4) of the annual National Education Union Conference in Harrogate, Isle of Wight primary teacher, Duncan Morrison proposed motion 14: Stop toxic testing: we need collective action.
Commenting on the motion Duncan Morrison said,
“It’s important to realise that these pointless tests affect all primary pupils, as the emphasis is placed on SATS ‘results’, rather than on progression, particularly with social skills and general learning. Simply teaching to the test detracts from genuine learning.
“The focus on SATs is irrelevant and impacts on the escalating mental health of our children. The burden of toxic testing is increasing every year and it’s time Government acknowledged this and halted these pointless panic inducing tests.”
Shreeve: Significant harms caused by this out-of-date system
Commenting on the passing of Motion 14, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union said,
“The NEU has been raising this issue for years, but national Government has ignored all the research and academic evidence around SATs. Few countries put their children through high-stakes tests as often as England does.
“Today, the Island of Wight teacher and others spoke of the significant harms caused by this out-of-date system. Led by Duncan Morrison, Conference agreed that the NEU’s campaign on primary assessment will be intensified.”
He went on to add,
“There is substantial, growing evidence supporting Duncan’s concerns. Both the reports from the Independent Commission on Assessment in Primary Education and Independent Assessment Commission have highlighted the escalating mental health crisis in our schools and the urgent case for change. Despite campaigning tirelessly to bring this evidence to the attention of government – the burden of toxic testing continues to grow in primary as well as secondary.
“As a result of this motion, the NEU will work harder to ensure that all parties fully understand the flaws in the current testing regime. Thus, improving the mental health of children and ensuring a more appropriate learning environment and testing regime. In this respect, Isle of Wight teacher, Duncan Morrison has played a significant part.”
News shared by Peter on behalf of IW NEU. Ed
