Parents reject school tables

14 Sep 2009, 7:19 am   -   Source: AAP
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The creation of the tables would use test scores to openly rank schools. (Getty images)

The creation of the tables would use test scores to openly rank schools. (Getty images)

Almost two-thirds of parents want the federal government to intervene and block the use of school league tables,

Almost two-thirds of parents want the federal government to intervene and block the use of school league tables, a new poll has found.
   
The biggest concern is that it could demoralise students and teachers and create a huge loss in confidence.
   
A total 63 per cent of respondents want the government to step in and create new laws preventing the creation of the tables, which would use test scores to openly rank schools.
   
"Parents understand that naming and shaming schools in league tables is damaging," Australian Education Union president Angelo Gavrielatos said in a statement.
   
"League tables are the modern equivalent of the dunce cap for schools.
   
"Instead of lifting up struggling schools it pushes them down."

There's no evidence that league tables improve the academic credentials of a school, he said.
   
Around 72 per cent believe the government should keep information on school performance private.
   
About 1,000 people across Australia were interviewed by phone in August for the poll, which was commissioned by the union and conducted by Labor's pollster, UMR.
   
A majority 93 per cent said the federal government's top priority should be investing in teachers.

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