There have been some improvements in assessment especially in reading, writing and mathematics, where there are National Tests to help teachers make sound judgements. Overall, there are still concerns about the quality of some of the assessment and testing carried out in schools and the quality of information on pupils' attainment. Teachers also need more support in assessing areas of the curriculum other than reading, writing and mathematics. They want clear advice about how much information they should record about children's progress, and what information should be passed on, especially to the secondary school. In secondary schools , some subject departments do not follow 5-14 assessment guidelines.
Some teachers are concerned about the information provided by primary schools.
There can be wide variations in how secondary teachers use the information from primary schools and assess and report on achievement in different subjects. There is a need to provide a clear statement of what pupils have achieved as they complete the 5-14 programme, but also to provide useful information to help pupils choose courses before they complete S2. The Scottish Executive monitors the achievements of a large sample of pupils in P4, P7 and S2 in English, mathematics and science, through the Assessment of Achievement Programme. However, the surveys do not provide information about the achievements of individual children or schools. How to make the system work better What is needed now is a clear overall structure for assessment that will guide practice throughout Scotland.