Primary school tests ‘should be standardised’

TEACHERS are calling for the introduction of standardised testing into primary schools so that areas of academic difficulty can be highlighted from a young age.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) welcomed confirmation from Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin that she has no interest in developing an assessment scheme aimed at generating school league tables.

According to the INTO, external tests, bought from educational companies, are being used on an ad-hoc basis in Irish schools and this practice must be regularised.