Swinney demonstrates controversial P1 tests

Controversial tests for primary one pupils have been demonstrated to opposition parties in parliament in a bid to convince critics they are “not high stakes”.

The standardised tests for five year olds have been heavily criticised by all opposition leaders, as well as teachers and teaching unions.

But in an attempt to alleviate criticism, Education Secretary John Swinney invited MSPs from across the Scottish Parliament to see the assessments first-hand.

He said: “Standardised assessments are a valuable tool for teachers to identify the next steps in a child’s learning and the additional information they provide is particularly useful in the early years if we are to continue to close the attainment gap.

“They are designed to be delivered as part of everyday learning and teaching, they are not high stakes and there is no pass or fail. These types of assessments are also not new; 29 out of 32 local authorities previously carried out some form of standardised assessment.

“Throughout the first year of standardised assessments we have listened carefully to experiences and feedback and introduced a range of changes and improvements as a result.

“The Scottish Government will continue to listen to any constructive comments or suggestions about the assessments or how they are delivered.

 “Many of my most vocal colleagues from across the chamber have never seen standardised assessments in practice.

“That is why I have arranged this drop in demonstration, to ensure an accurate and informed debate which focuses on the merits of standardised assessments and the benefits they can bring to the educational outcomes of our children and young people.”

But the demonstration of the standardised tests has failed to silence critics.

A motion on scrapping national tests for P1s will be voted on tomorrow, with oppositions MSPs warning that the government would be “out of touch” if it went against the vote.

 Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Tavish Scott said: “Are the First Minister and Deputy First Minister going to listen to teachers and parents or not?

“Teachers unequivocal message is that testing five year old girls and boys tells them nothing they do not already know.

"So when parliament votes with teachers and parents to halt national tests for five year olds, the government must accept that view.”

Labour education spokesperson Iain Gray said: “These desperate stunts cannot hide the fact that the SNP’s testing policy is completely discredited – parents don’t trust them and teachers find them useless.

 “The idea that civil servants performing the tests to MSPs is in any way equivalent to the pressure felt by a four-year-old sitting them is utter nonsense.

“Instead of showing humility and admitting he got it wrong, the Education Secretary has again pressed on with a failing policy.

“The Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to vote to scrap these tests for primary one children. If the SNP government were to ignore such a vote it would simply underline how out of touch ministers are on education.”