Teachers express concern over keeping pupil test data

TEACHERS have expressed concern about new requirements to keep data on pupils’ test results for at least 15 years.

The guidelines being issued to primary schools on assessment suggest that schools store information on pupils’ records until their 21st birthday, although the length of time after leaving school in which a person can ask for the information is not specified in law.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment which produced the guidelines said its legal advice was that records keeping should be in line with the statute of limitations for potential litigation on education issues up to three years after a person turns 18.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said it appreciates the need to keep records for legal purposes but it wants to ensure schools do not become burdened with paperwork.

“Schools are already cramped for space so we want to clarify the level of record keeping that is required. We also want to ensure teachers receive sufficient training to meet the assessment and reporting requirements from the NCCA,” said INTO general secretary John Carr.

NCCA deputy chief executive Sarah Fitzpatrick said the council is open to further discussions on the issue, and it is nearing completion of advice to Education Minister Mary Hanafin on reporting to parents about their children’s progress.

Ms Hanafin launched the primary school reporting guidelines. From this year, pupils must be given standardised tests in maths and literacy twice during their primary education, with each child’s results only being made available internally and to parents. The overall results from schools in disadvantaged areas will be made available for research.