Um, Shadow Minister, who said we don't need to improve?
Who said we don't need to measure? We need to do BOTH of those things.

However, we should follow Finland's example -- they don't publish the results because they know they can't be interpreted reliably without a lot more information. We shouldn't publish data that can be so easily misinterpreted.

David1946

David,

In Finland, the need for publishing the results is not as marked, is because the Finns have a deep respect for learning (promotion is not based on seniority), and the teachers are convinced of the need to take action where necessary.

The need to publish the results here is because the labor govs are joined to the hip with the public service unions and aren't willing to take any action that might spoil that cosy relationship.

Publishing the results would force them to take actions unpopular to their supporters.