[Yuki Maru Hoshi]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I agree with that. I don't have an issue with high school tests really (14+) but the amount of testing at primary school age is ridiculous. Some basic, semi-covert, pressure free testing (they don't even need to know the results!) in order to assess ability levels and tailor learning accordingly is really all that's needed in primary school and yet it still seems to be ability groups / constant literacy and numeracy "scores" from as young as 6. It's stressful whatever the ability level. Kids who are struggling feel embarrassed... Kids who are in the top groups are given the constant threat of "being moved down a group" if they don't work hard enough. Mad.

How much testing is there in primary? We only had an annual standard test, but it wasn't anything terribly difficult. I don't remember if it even mattered towards grade advancement. I think that depended on individual assignments and teachers were really lenient. My uncle didn't do very well in school as we were close in age and he had to be held back a grade or two, but I don't think that lowering the bar would've changed that. He did pick up to an OK level eventually (but hard to work very hard), and he was in in a vocational program in high school (welding, electrician, plumbing, etc)... and went into the veterinary tech program when he was in college.