FMQs: Nicola Sturgeon incorrect on teacher grades
Responding to comments from the First Minister during FMQS stating that “If the teacher's judgement is that they stand by the results they gave that results stands”, Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer said:
"It is incorrect to say this assessment system is based on teacher judgement. Making that claim is either deliberately misleading or a worrying sign that the First Ministe herself doesn't understand how this year's SQA grading will work. The fact remains that If your teacher thinks you deserve an A but, for reasons of family bereavement or personal illness your assessment evidence says B, they have to give you the B. This was always going to be the problem if you based a grading system on demonstrated attainment in a year where pupils have barely had a chance to demonstrate that attainment due to school closures and self-isolation. The professional judgement of teachers simply isn't being respected.
"There needs to be an exceptional circumstances provision in the appeals process and a no-detriment policy, which would eliminate the risk of a grade actually being lowered on appeal."