SATs under fire

The government consultation includes an overhaul of testing arrangements, and a new emphasis on "assessment for learning" - using assessment as a way of helping children learn.
New tests to replace SATS would take place when teachers felt children were ready to take them.
SATs have been heavily criticised recently. One think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research - traditionally friendly to New Labour - said regular teacher assessments of pupils' work should replace SATs tests at age 11 and 14.
Tests encouraged schools to "teach to the test" rather than focusing on providing children with the skills they need for secondary school, the report said.
Read the IPPR report.