The second link summarises an OFSTED report into the teaching of mathematics. The report suggests that teaching to the test is a problem in some UK schools. The

The second link summarises an OFSTED report into the teaching of mathematics. The report suggests that teaching to the test is a problem in some UK schools. The report says that teaching to the test damages understanding in maths. I accept that the short abstract I linked to may not provide evidence of those things. "How do you know you get this without uniform tests?" The health or otherwise of our small companies, and the creativeness of artists, musicians, mathematicians, and the vigorousness of our politics. "And for that matter, what does it even mean?" It means what it has always meant! It means young adults who can take responsibility for themselves and others and who can act in society. Seriously, there is a level where one has to simply point rather than define (Wittgensteinish argument). "I just don't see how avoiding careful measurement, clearly stated objects and transparency helps a political system give better results." Because there are different stakeholders, and each part of your process will be challenged, and interpreted differently by some, and others will 'collapse' the wider concept of education down to a narrow focus on measurable outcomes. Not sure if I'm making sense here because I'm in a different place I suspect.