sigma-t's vs 'standardised tests'
AFAIK, the present tests are called sigma-t's (according to the young one). These work from averages, so that x amount of kids will be of average ability, x amount above and x amount below. This is just for the teachers themselves, and if they use it as ammo to get more provision of classroom assistants, fair play to them.
The 'standardised tests' are for the use of League Table, as far as I'm aware, so that schools can be compared to each other. Low resource schools will come out looking crap; no parents will want to send their kids there, and will get even worse. Competition for High resource/high scoring schools will be fierce.
It's a useless idea. The important thing to keep school equally well resourced so that all our children have an equal chance in education.................with maybe a 'leg-up' to those in disadvantaged areas with breakfast clubs/homework clubs etc etc etc I could dream on but the reality contrasts so much that there's no point.....