§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what schemes he is considering in connection with reading tests for pupils in primary education; which local authorities run such schemes; if he will publish details of these in each case; and if he will make a statement on his discussions;
(2) what schemes he is considering in connection with mathematics tests for pupils in primary education; which local authorities run such schemes; if he will publish details of these in each case; and if he will make a statement on his discussions;
(3) what is his policy on the use of reading and mathematics tests for pupils in primary education.
§ Dr. BoysonCarefully constructed and well-administered tests can play a useful part in the assessment of children's development at different stages of their education. On a national scale, monitoring surveys carried out on behalf of my Department's assessment of performance unit are designed to measure pupils' levels of performance in language and mathematics at the end of the primary 517W stage of education and again at the age of 15.
My Department does not collect information from local authorities about test schemes in use in their areas. A number of LEAs conduct tests for their own purposes, but my Department has no regular arrangements for collecting systematic information about them, and my right hon. and learned Friend has not discussed these matters with the local authorities.