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Outrages

  

9486 in the collection  

    Headteachers angry at Sats 'nightmare'

    Take a look at the alarming scope of ETS in the world.

    Maybe you can figure out why and how Gucci is a company client reference, as are LAFARGE Roofing GmbH, Deutsche Bank PBC S.A, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and many others.


    by Anthea Lipsett & agencies

    National tests that will be taken by more than one million children this month were struck by computer problems, causing a nightmare for schools, headteachers have said.

    A new contractor, ETS Europe, took over the running of the national curriculum Sats tests in England this year and officials have been deluged by call from schools having difficulties.

    According to the National Assessment Agency (NAA), which is responsible for overseeing the tests, the problems have now been resolved.

    On Monday, teachers were unable to enter pupils' details on a database that records which children took the English, maths and science tests.

    Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said one head had described the day as "a nightmare".

    Brookes said the online register broke down and "threw out" schools trying to enter details so markers know which pupils' work they will receive.

    Official guidance to heads told them it was "extremely important" to complete the register as failure to do so "could cause delays in marking" and results being given back to schools.

    The NAA said it had received large numbers of calls from headteachers experiencing problems.

    A statement on the NAA website says: "The test operations agency helpdesk is currently experiencing a high number of calls. As a result, some callers cannot get through.

    "If your call is about online attendance registers, we are aware that some schools are experiencing problems with accessing and submitting online attendance registers.

    "We are currently investigating these problems and will provide further guidance as soon as it becomes available."

    The helpdesk's opening hours have been extended from 7am to 8pm until further notice.

    — Anthea Lipsett & agencies
    The Guardian
    2008-05-15
    http://education.guardian.co.uk/sats/story/0,,2280299,00.html

    INDEX OF OUTRAGES

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