Schools will have to retain all tests conducted on primary children for up to 17 years, under new guidelines to be launched today by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin.
The requirement is set to create huge storage problems for primary schools, many of which are already struggling with cramped accommodation.
One teacher estimated last night the "new requirement could see up to nine filing cabinets in each classroom in the country" as information held on computer must be backed up.
According to the guidelines, children can request information on their school tests after they leave school: "It is important, therefore, that schools store this information safely to facilitate access to it by pupils at any stage until they reach their 21st birthday." With some pupils beginning school at four, the information must be retained for up to 17 years.
The guidelines from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) state information on school tests could be requested under the Data Protection Act. Since the introduction of new standardised tests in September, all primary children must be tested aged seven and 11 in both English reading and maths.
Parents are entitled to receive a report on their performance in these tests in addition to an annual report on their general progress, according to the guidelines.
Under the new conditions, these and other reports - including those from educational psychologists - must be stored.
Last night, John Carr of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said the new guidelines had significant resource implications for schools in terms of recording data, keeping it safe and providing for access to it.
"This must mean greatly enhanced secretarial support for schools as well as investment in modern, secure storage facilities," he said. "The Minister will have to step up to the plate with her chequebook before schools can realistically be expected to implement these guidelines."
Under the guidelines for the new standardised tests, teachers must tell parents how their child is doing in relation to the national average in English reading and maths at the end of first class or the start of second class, and again at the end of fourth class or the start of fifth class.
Last night, Mr Carr said the "guidelines represent best practice - but without the necessary resources, the guidelines cannot be put into practice. There will need to be in-service training for all teachers which to date has not been provided."
He said that, during the last school year, training was provided to a small number of teachers. "If a coherent policy is to be developed, then professional development must be provided for all teachers."
