Teachers Reject Mandatory Reading Tests in England

0:00On March 30, teachers in England just voted against the new mandatory reading test for year 8 students. The National Education Union made the call at their conference in Brighton. The government wants these tests rolled out by the end of this Parliament's return in 2029 to track reading progress two years into. Secondary School. The Department for Education says these checks are key to spotting kids who need help, especially white working class students and those with special. Educational needs. They first announced the plan last autumn, with test checking fluency and comprehension starting in 2025. Data would go to the department and off-stead, but not get published for schools. Union members worry about piles on too much pressure right when kids confidence is building. They say more tests narrow the curriculum, cut teacher freedom, and do not spark a real love for reading. Delicates pointed out kids already face tests from reception through year 13, adding stress for everyone, particularly those with disabilities.

1:01The Union pass an extra motion to survey secondary teachers on boycotting the tests and push for more school library funding. Their leader Daniel Cabetti says it pulls time from a broad curriculum and urged a rethink. With a quarter of year six pupils missing reading standards and GCSE passes dipping, this fits into the national year of reading push against screen. Time overload. The debate heats up as both sides dig in on how best to lift literacy without overwhelming the classroom.