NASUWT/NUT joint guidance on literacy and numeracy tests
Following discussions with the Welsh Government over the administration and marking of national numeracy and literacy tests, NASUWT Cymru and NUT Cymru have advised their members of the steps they should take. These include only administering the tests if they form part of a timetabled lesson and are undertaken in the teacher’s classroom; not to be expected to prepare their classrooms for the tests; not to mark the tests and not to input data from the tests.
The advice will cover the vast majority of teachers in Wales at both primary and secondary schools.
NUT Wales Secretary, David Evans, said:
“We have had assurances from the Welsh Government that marking and inputting the data from these tests does not need to be undertaken by a qualified teacher. With that in mind, the NUT and NASUWT have taken steps to inform their members that the best use of their time is to be actually teaching children. What we need to ensure is that standards are raised as a result of qualified teachers being in their classrooms. It would appear pointless to tie up teachers with the marking and administrative side of these tests when the Welsh Government itself admits that a qualified teacher is not required to do this work.
“Whilst this action is focussed on safeguarding practitioners from unnecessary workloads, the most important implication is that it will allow pupils more time to work with their qualified teachers.”
NASUWT Wales Organiser, Rex Phillips, added:
“The NASUWT and NUT are simply holding the Welsh Government to the commitment given that teachers would not be expected to mark the tests. It is regrettable that the opportunity was not taken to administer and mark the tests on-line; a position supported by the Directors of Education in Wales. The purpose of this joint advice is to ensure that the tests do not impact unnecessarily and/or adversely on teacher workload. As long as the position of the NASUWT and NUT is respected, the test should progress smoothly.”
Notes to editor:
The following NUT/NASUWT instructions will be sent to all members of the two unions:
Teachers should not be expected to administer the tests, unless they form part of a timetabled lesson and are undertaken in the teacher’s classroom.
Teachers should not be expected to prepare their classrooms for the tests.
Teachers should not be expected to mark the tests.
Teachers should not be expected to input data from the tests.
Contact: Owen Hathway, NUT Cymru, Ty Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ. Tel: 029 20491818. Mob: 07921 146 442 e-mail: cymru.wales@nut.org.uk
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