§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what action he is taking to ensure that the programme of testing at all stages, seven, 11 and 14 years and in all subjects, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend has made it clear that the test for seven-year-olds and for 14-year-olds will be going ahead this year as planned. It is the statutory duty of head teachers to implement them and the contractual duty of school teachers to carry them out.
In response to the genuine concerns of some teachers, my right hon. Friend has asked Sir Ron Dearing to review the national curriculum and assessment framework with the aim of simplifying it while retaining the key features of clear teaching objectives and regular tests. Early results from that review will inform the arrangements for testing in 1994. I look to all teachers to carry out the tests this year for the benefit of their pupils and in order to provide evidence for the review which Sir Ron Dearing is conducting.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to meet the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers to discuss proposals for national curriculum testing and assessment arrangements.
§ Mr. ForthNone. The NASUWT should make its views known to Sir Ron Dearing, the chairman designate of the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority, who is conducting a review of the national curriculum and assessment.