Newsround

What’s been happening in the world of education?

New research from King’s College London finds that teacher assessments are equally as reliable as standardised exams at predicting educational success.

Dr Kaili Rimfeld and Dr Margherita Malanchini say their findings, published today in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, question whether the benefits of standardised exams outweigh the costs.

Dr Malanchini said,

Our results should inform the debate about testing during both primary and secondary education. Trusting teachers to implement the curriculum and monitor progress could benefit the wellbeing of pupils and teachers and help to bring joy back to the classroom.

For further details see Teacher assessments during compulsory education are as reliable, stable and heritable as standardized test scores’ by Rimfeld, Malanchini et al, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13070 

• Shocking environmental news with a new study that has found river wildlife contains cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Lead author, Dr Thomas Miller from King’s said: “As part of our ongoing work, we found that the most frequently detected compounds were illicit drugs, including cocaine and ketamine and a banned pesticide, fenuron.”
• Chief Constable Dave Thompson of West Midlands Police says that protests against LGBT+ equality lessons in Birmingham should come to an end as they have no place outside primary schools. He says,

It is very important all those involved in the dispute at Anderton Park recognise the adverse impact this is having on the reputation of the city, broader cohesion and most importantly the children at this school. Views are entrenching with a determination to win this argument. This is creating an environment where those who seek division will have cause to celebrate and to exploit. Frankly a primary school is no place for the continuance of a large scale protest, however lawful.

• Youth Music in their new report Exchanging Notes say that allowing pupils to study grime and hip-hop in class can improve attendance of pupils at risk of exclusion. Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music says: “Our Exchanging Notes research has cemented our view that music in schools has the power to help young people with some of the big issues facing them today – mental health, isolation, and social inequality. But only if it is re-imagined to become more relevant and inclusive of all young people.”