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A school child studies his books.

The Government's promise to test how well children read, write and count against new national standards is a major break from current practice.

For the first time primary and intermediate schools will find out how many of their students have reached the set standard and parents will be told how their child measures up.

But some schools dislike the idea and believe the move will have a negative impact on children's schooling.

Radio New Zealand's Education Correspondent, Gael Woods asks whether the information will be used positively to improve children's education or whether passing tests will become an overwhelming focus.

(Photo courtesy of SXC, Steve Woods)