Finian McGrath
Question:359 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of EU states that have standardised tests for seven year olds; and the name of these states. [21353/04]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2004
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Standardised tests are used to varying extents at local level and at national level across the EU states.
According to information currently available, standardised testing of primary pupils in the early years of their primary schooling is a national requirement in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and France.
In England and Wales, pupils at ages seven and 11 must take standardised tests in reading and mathematics. In Northern Ireland, pupils take similar standardised tests at eight and 11. In Scotland, pupils aged eight and 12 take tests in English and mathematics. In the Netherlands, pupils are tested in language and mathematics at three points during their primary education including at seven to eight years of age.
In France, national assessment tests in reading, writing and mathematics are administered at the beginning of the consolidation cycle of primary education, that is, at approximately nine years of age.
In Ireland, the standardised testing of seven year olds has formed the basis for a number of national surveys. For example, as part of the 2004 national assessment of English reading, standardised tests were administered to pupils in both the first and fifth classes in a representative national sample of primary schools. Also, standardised tests of mathematics were administered to pupils in fourth class in a representative sample of schools in May 2004 as part of the national assessment of mathematics achievement.
While the 2004 national assessment of English reading was the first in which a nationally representative sample of pupils in first class was involved, pupils in first class took a standardised test of reading as part of the 2003 survey of reading in designated disadvantaged schools.
Separate from the national assessments, standardised tests have been developed for use by schools and evidence shows that they are used in more than 90% of primary schools in Ireland. Tests are available for English reading, English spelling, and mathematics for administration to pupils in the first to sixth classes, inclusive. In any consideration of the possible effects on pupils, it is worthwhile to note that the teachers of classes that participated in the standardisation studies for these tests carried out by the educational research centre did not report that pupils experienced any undue difficulties in attempting them. The tests at all class levels are designed so that all pupils can meet with some level of success on them.