The proposed introduction of new tests in primary schools for all seven and 11-year-olds is to be delayed after the INTO linked progress on the issue to smaller class sizes yesterday.
The INTO move came as an advisory body to Minister for Education Mary Hanafin proposed parents should be given the results of the tests on at least two occasions per year.
In a report, which has still to be published, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) advises the Minister that all pupils should be tested on literacy and numeracy in first class and again in fifth class in primary school.
It also says the results of standardised tests should include a standard score and rank for each child. The Department of Education and Science is anxious to press ahead with new tests for primary school children but the INTO decision to link the issue to reduced class size makes progress less likely.
Last night, the union's general secretary, John Carr, said primary teachers would discuss the assessment issue only after the Government has honoured its commitments on class size.
"Government commitments on class size are being totally ignored yet attempts are being made to move ahead with new assessment practices," he said.
The proposed new State tests could potentially change the face of primary school education.
They would be the first State tests in primary schools since the Primary Certificate was abolished in 1967. The NCCA proposes a number of guidelines for the proposed new testing regime.
These include:
Ms Hanafin has said that, having read the NCCA report, she would be in a position to engage in further consultations with the relevant partners, including teachers and parents.
Ms Hanafin is known to be concerned about rushing into a system that might put pressure on students, parents and, in particular, very young children before the nature of the tests used has been worked out.
