Get Student Reporting Correct

“The IEUA rejects ranking of students and schools according to test scores and in particular opposes the establishment of ‘league tables’ in any manifestation” said Independent Education Union of Australia Federal Secretary Chris Watt.

“The central purpose of student assessment in schools is to gather, analyse and reflect on evidence in order to make informed and consistent judgments aimed at bringing about improvement in student learning” he said.

“The IEUA urges education ministers attending MCEETYA to contain the use of national testing data for the purpose of informing teaching and learning in the classroom and individual reporting to parents” said Chris Watt.

“Data collected for one purpose is often inappropriate for another purpose.”

“IEUA remains concerned that international and national research shows that such practices lead to a lowering of the quality of education and the overall level of student achievement’ said Chris Watt.

“IEUA believes that parents should have access to timely, meaningful information about their children’s progress and are entitled to comprehensive and accessible reports.”

“However, the primary purpose of reporting must remain as providing meaningful information so as to improve student learning”

“IEUA does not believe that student cohort ranking/quartile reporting provides appropriate and meaningful information about a student’s performance or achievement of learning goals and outcomes.”

“The current expectations student assessment and reporting are already leading to excessive testing, data collection and reporting. This is reducing the time available for teaching and increasing the stress and workload of teachers” said Chris Watt.

“It is time to take stock of the situation, before greater expectations are placed on schools and ensure that student learning does not suffer.”

Contact

Chris Watt                                                       0419259143

Federal Secretary                                            02 6273 3107