New science test for year 8

The Premier has announced yet another statewide test, writes JENNIFER LEETE.

On the April 3, Premier Bob Carr announced another statewide test -- this time for year 8 science.

In an interesting piece of logic the Premier thinks this test will increase the number of students who take up further study and consider a future career in science.

Apparently, officers of the DET have been working on the proposed test for some time but it seems that even those officers may have been surprised by the timing of the announcement. According to the Premier's press release, the new test will be trialled in 2005 and 2006 before being introduced to all schools in 2007.

The press release goes on to say: "Mr Carr said the new test would ensure teachers pick up any students who might be falling behind in science before they sit for their School Certificate. 'The new test will provide an opportunity for teachers to intervene and tailor science teaching to students' needs, preparing students for the school certificate and senior science,' Mr Carr said.

"NSW will be the first state in Australia to introduce the new Essential Secondary Science Assessment (ESSA) test as part of our detailed plans to promote even higher standards in our schools.

"ESSA will test students' knowledge of:

"* the physical world (e.g. forces and energy)
"*matter (e.g. elements, compounds, and mixtures
"*the living world (e.g. anthropology, ecosystems, and natural resources), and
"* the Earth and space."

In response to the announcement, Federation Executive carried a lengthy decision in opposition to the new test, including the following:

"Science teachers already use tests and other sophisticated, authentic methods of assessment to assess student performance and modify their teaching accordingly. Already NSW students are labouring under the pressure of an onerous testing and assessment agenda which is destroying the interest of our schools' curriculum.

"The announcement of a new test will do nothing to encourage more students into further studies in science. Science teachers, including HSC teachers, regularly report the need for improved funding to ensure that they have appropriate equipment and scientific instruments to teach current science syllabuses.

"The announcement provides no additional resources to assist students struggling with science.

"On Saturday 2 April the Sydney Morning Herald carried on its front page the Public Education Council's damning report of significant resource needs of public schools. The very next day the Premier announces yet another statewide test. NSW public school students and their parents require the Premier to respond to the real needs in public education.

"Despite the fact that the Government has chosen to abolish the Public Education Council, Mr Carr and Minister Carmel Tebbutt must seriously address its recommendations, to address the resource needs of public schools. NSW Teachers Federation is considering non-co-operative action to the introduction of new tests, considering their anti-educational basis."

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

Executive decision

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For further information

May 2005 contents