Liberal Democrat spokesman David Laws welcomed the proposed changes, though would go further and have more teacher assessment in English.

BBC: All school Sats tests 'might go'

But it called for a shift toward more within-school, teacher-led assessment.

BBC: Signs of a turning tide on tests

The strategy focuses on teacher development, curriculum and student assessment, inclusive education, and technical and vocational training.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

Many of the proposed improvements in teacher education and evaluation, student assessment, and school design in traditional public schools do not seem to be novel.

FORBES: Educators and Innovation

Proposing a motion calling for a "fairer and more purposeful system of assessment", Yorkshire head teacher Jane Gilmour said schools should be able to choose whether to do it, rather than have it imposed.

BBC: Heads threaten reading test boycott

Ronnie Hassard, the head-teacher at Ballymena Academy, which uses the GL assessment exam, said that the money for the tests came from individual grammar schools and was processed through the PPTC and paid to GL Assessment.

BBC: John O'Dowd calls for exam donor to be named

Having undergone Trial by Combat (well, ok, external assessment), I am now a fully qualified teacher.

BBC: The trainee

The workshops, developed collaboratively by UNESCO, Secretariat of the Pacific Board for Educational Assessment (SPBEA) and UNICEF, cover many aspects of teacher education and professional development programmes.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN APIA

But I'm saying about the assessment, if it suits the child and the school, and the teacher it needn't happen by the end of the year.

BBC: News Online