Teachers 'should not be criticised over Pisa report'

December 08 2010

The government should not use the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) report to "bash schools and teachers", the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has warned.

Published yesterday (December 7th) by the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation, it shows that England has slipped down in the worldwide education rankings.

Commenting on the findings, Martin Johnson, Deputy General Secretary of the ATL, said: "Britain's scores in reading and maths show there is room for improvement. But politicians should pay heed to the significant impact world-wide of social class on achievement. If we are to improve our education further, we have to reduce the inequality between classes, which is amongst the largest in the wealthiest nations."

He added that the Pisa report "has plenty of good news about Britain's education system - excellent relationships between staff and students, good behaviour, staff who do not resist change and who are passionate about improving the life-chances of young people".

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