Statement by Shadow Education Minister Ben Smith:
“I am pleased to know that the Department of Education has established measurable targets for student achievement in English, mathematics and science for the 2026–27 academic year,” says Shadow Education Minister, Ben Smith.
According to Education Minister Diallo Rabain, students will be assessed in September, January and June using Cambridge International Progression Tests, with the Department setting a target of raising student growth by 10 per cent by June 2027.
“This is an important step towards the greater accountability I have consistently called for,” adds Mr Smith.
“However, we now need clarity about exactly what “10 per cent growth” means. Is that a 10 per cent increase in assessment scores, an increase in the number of students reaching the expected standard, or another measure?
“The September assessments will establish the baseline, and that baseline should be published. Without knowing where we started, parents and the public cannot independently determine whether the target has ultimately been achieved.”
Mr Smith questions why there will be a gap in reporting: “I am also concerned that although students will be assessed again in January specifically to measure mid-year growth, the Minister says the first public report will not be made until after the June assessments.
“If January tells the Department whether its interventions are working, parents, teachers and Parliament should also know whether progress is on track. This is not about catching anyone out. It is about establishing a culture in which we set clear educational goals, measure progress honestly and make adjustments when the evidence tells us they are needed.”
Mr Smith concludes: “If we are serious about improving education, we must be equally serious about measuring and publicly reporting the results.”
