The Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools says some children are losing their motivation to learn under the national standards in reading, writing and maths.
Association president Ross Tyson of Cambridge Middle School in Waikato says some children give up in despair when they are told they are below or well below the standards.
He says the system is particularly hard for children who will never achieve the standards.
The Government says schools do not have to use the terms below or well below, but they do have to report honestly to parents.
