ERIC Number: EJ1322635
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 38
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0969-594X
EISSN: N/A
National Tests and the Wellbeing of Primary School Pupils: New Evidence from the UK
Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, v28 n5-6 p507-544 2021
There is growing concern about the mental wellbeing of young people, including how this is related to national tests. This is a particularly important policy issue in England, where it is claimed that the end of primary Key Stage 2 tests cause schools, pupils and teachers stress. I investigate this issue using data from the Millennium Cohort Study, comparing the wellbeing of pupils in England (measured around the point they are sitting their Key Stage 2 tests) to the rest of the UK (where Key Stage 2 tests are not taken). No evidence is found that the Key Stage 2 tests in England is associated with lower levels of happiness, enjoyment of school, self-esteem or children's mental wellbeing. Likewise, no evidence is found that children who are happier, more self-confident or with higher levels of wellbeing obtain higher Key Stage 2 test scores.
Descriptors: National Competency Tests, Well Being, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries, Test Anxiety, Elementary Education, Intermediate Grades, Psychological Patterns, Self Esteem, High Stakes Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England); United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A