THE Scottish Greens have urged the board of Scotland’s exam body to resign and called for an overhaul of the system.
In a letter to Education Secretary John Swinney, the party’s education spokesman Ross Greer said trust in the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is “all but non-existent”.
Greer proposed a fresh structure for a replacement board, saying it should include representatives from trade unions, parent groups, the Scottish Youth Parliament, colleges and head teachers.
The SQA was at the centre of a storm last year after exams were cancelled due to coronavirus and the body downgraded teachers’ estimated marks of thousands of students. The grades were eventually restored. Greer said: “I would propose a new model for the SQA board of management, one which draws upon a broad range of skills and experience within Scottish education.
“The voices of frontline educators and learners have been sorely lacking on a board which currently appears to include more management consultants than teachers.”
The Greens have said any new structure must see at least half of the board members be registered teachers.
Greer added: “This should in no way be interpreted as my questioning the integrity or professionalism of individual board members, nor of the many hardworking staff at the authority.
“It is, however reflective of my recognising the extent to which this problem has grown. Bold action is required if the SQA is to regain the trust of those it exists to serve.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “SQA board members have a wide range of skills and experiences that allow them to function effectively with the SQA management team.
“They are appointed by ministers in accordance with an open, fair and merit-based public appointments process with all roles advertised and the appointment process independently regulated.
“The approach to assessment this year has been developed by the National Qualifications 2021 Group, which is led by SQA and brings together key education stakeholders. SQA also consults with practitioners, learners and others to help inform decisions.”
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