The tests, being piloted, were meant to show pupils "working securely within" various national curriculum levels. They are now being brought into line with the usual Sats pupils take. In those, they simply have to reach a given level or "threshold".
Schools have now been sent the findings from December's pilot tests, delayed as officials checked "unusual" results.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families stresses that these are pilot tests and denies that is has "lowered standards". Their whole purpose was to evaluate new ways of assessing children, putting an emphasis on making progress.
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