Talking-up Scotland

Teacher 1 wrote to support the scheme but suggested more flexibility in the timing:

As a former primary school HT I wholeheartedly support assessment of pupils throughout their school years to ascertain their strengths and learning needs.

Teacher 2 wrote, by hand (!), to cast serious doubt on the character of those current teachers and union leaders moaning about the tests:

Teacher 3, with 40 years of experience, was angry about the tests:

‘I am watching the current debate on P1 tests. Your comment regarding “tears” of a young child during the test is no big deal because children cry in school all the time (admittedly, I’m paraphrasing, but it is exactly the essence of your message), makes me despair. Your flippant attitude for the well-being of our youngest learners is despicable and demonstrates the enormity of your ignorance regarding early education.’

Teacher 4 was all for the tests:

As a teacher who had 20 years of experience, I think you should stand firm about the P1 tests. I am disappointed that the other parties will vote against you. If some of the children were crying it may have been because some tension in the teacher was transmitted to the child. Perhaps, if it was presented as a game and called an assessment there would not be so much hostility. Other countries realise that education is the key to future prosperity for its citizens. As far as I can see the test is pretty minimal and it is important to see how the child is progressing.

So, one out of four teachers, one out of three parents and no academics, write to complain about the P1 assessment? People are angry! Clearly it’s a crisis!