Schools head for online reports

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 11 Jan 2008 at 10:46

The end-of-term school report could be replaced by regular online updates under new government plans.

Schools Minister Jim Knight wants all secondary schools to operate "real time" reporting systems by 2010, in which parents will visit secure websites to read about their children's progress, attendance and behaviour throughout the school year. A similar system for primary schools would follow two years later.

"We know from schools around the country that if families are going to be involved in their children's education really effectively, they need a good two-way flow of information," says Knight.

"(We need) a channel which is more efficient and more frequent than a once a year written report, or a letter home when there is a problem or something to celebrate."

Knight was quick to note that the system would not replace regular personal contact between parents and teachers and would not add to a teacher's workload.

Teacher's union leaders have welcomed the drive, but say they want to see more evidence that online reports will not create more work.

"Jim Knight has to be far more specific about his goals for real time reporting to parents," says Steve Sinnott, head of the National Union of Teachers. "We will treat this aspiration with caution."

The Liberal Democrats' Shadow Schools Secretary David Laws says schools risk getting "bogged down in more bureaucracy" that distracts from teaching.