[Aliantha]

We have standardised testing here in years 5,7 and 9. It gives schools a guide as to what they need to focus on, and also, since the results are available for all to see, gives parents and the community and idea of whether a school is doing the best it could be doing etc.

While these tests are traumatic for kids, the results should be used as a guide by parents and teachers because everyone has a bad day now and then, so the results aren't always a true indication of a child's skills or knowledge.