Fitzroynthps

I have witnessed a direct influence if national testing on our school curriculum. The constant pressure to lift results in the areas of maths and literacy is forcing some schools to create streamed maths groups. We have set up streamed maths groups in grades 2 - 6 and literacy groups from 3-6. The philosophy behind this is to target the specific needs of each group rather than trusting the teacher to create an effective differentiated learning environment.  The direct impact of such a set up is that the timetable becomes even more rigid. Students on the margins of learning levels miss out on the positive learning experiences of their peers. The nature of the Maths and literacy "hour" means that its very difficult to develop long term, deep and ongoing learning situations for students.