Minister Hanafin to re-think tests
The concerns are expressed in a document presented to the minister by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). It also raises questions about the feasibility of standardised testing without professional development for teachers, and the need for the Department of Education to meet the costs incurred by schools to buy and process test systems.
But the clearest concern expressed is that the recently updated primary curriculum is already creating challenges in schools, most notably in relation to time for planning, engaging with pupils and covering the wide variety of material.
