What is NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy is a government assessment program that tests students’ skills in primary and secondary school. The content is based on the Australian Curriculum.

What is NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy is a government assessment program that tests students’ skills in primary and secondary school. The content is based on the Australian Curriculum.

Students in years three, five, seven and nine are assessed in reading comprehension,
spelling and language conventions (grammar and punctuation). They are also assessed in numeracy.

This was a federal government initiative developed to provide a baseline in national literacy and numeracy skills. The rationale emphasises the need for baseline results, that are required for future study and everyday life skills. It is also used as a tool, in conjunction with school based assessments to identify those students at educational risk.

It provides information to assess whether schools are achieving their outcomes in the teaching and learning program and gives a comparison between schools and states throughout Australia.

Teachers can reflect on their outcomes and identify areas of weakness and strength. It is very important to note that NAPLAN is only a ‘snapshot’ of progress. One assessment at one time. The results should be used in conjunction with other school based assessments, standardised tests and work samples throughout the school year.

Many children tend to underperform during timed tests, in particular perfectionists, twice exceptional children, and gifted students. Those in year three who are participating in the assessments for the first time, may be feeling anxious or nervous about the process.

I would encourage you to talk your child through the process and emphasise that it is only one set of assessments, it does not define who the child is or what they are capable of.

Their ability is measured in various forms throughout the year. Other measures of achievement and ability may include anecdotal notes, social interaction, school based assignments, projects, oral presentations, powerpoints, quizzes, class tests and group work.

What Happens if I Fail?

Many students do not achieve the minimum standard requirements in the year three assessment. There are recommended Band levels for years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Students will have until year 9 to reach Band 8. If they are unsuccessful, they will still have two opportunities in each of the years 10, 11 and 12, to achieve the minimum requirements in the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment. (OLNA).