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Research shows that educational leaders do not see much use for standardised testing data .
independent schools , which tend to have more autonomy .
Wirreanda High ( South Australia ) Year 7 students Dominic and Elizabeth prepare for NAPLAN with teacher Natasha Paffett . Picture : Simon Cross
NAPLAN returns
Should we embrace the return of NAPLAN ?
By Wade Zaglas
The National Assessment Plan for Literacy and Numeracy ( NAPLAN ) recently returned to Australian classrooms , with approximately one million students across years 3 , 5 , 7 and 9 sitting the test .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the national test was cancelled last year , and many experts and educators are keen to see what effect remote learning has had on student achievement levels .
While NAPLAN has always had its detractors , this year The Queensland Teachers Union ramped up its campaign to abolish the test , even “ encouraging its members to withdraw their own children from the test ,” ABC News reported .
But the federal government and the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority ( ACARA ), which administers the test , believes this year ’ s NAPLAN testing is particularly important .
“ NAPLAN provides information about how well students are learning the essential skills of reading , writing and numeracy ,” a spokesperson told ABC News .
“ With the cancellation of NAPLAN last year and the interruption of schooling because of COVID , the community is eager for information about the impact on learning in literacy and numeracy and the effectiveness of remote teaching and learning .
“ The tests support the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of our education system in these fundamental capabilities .”
The federal government is equally supportive of continuing the test .
“ We must protect NAPLAN and not give in to those who call for less accountability and less information for teachers and parents ,” Education Minister Alan Tudge said in March .
“ At the same time , we will continue to refine the NAPLAN tests to ensure they are optimised to provide the information that schools , teachers , parents and policymakers need to lift school standards .”
DO STUDENTS HAVE TO TAKE THE TEST ? Students do not necessarily need to participate in NAPLAN testing , although many parents are not aware of this . For instance , parents can withdraw their child from NAPLAN if they write and sign a letter to the school ’ s principal prior to the test . Students who are withdrawn or exempted from the test will receive a report that states : “ Your child was withdrawn from this test .”
In the main , “ withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing ,” NAPLAN guidelines state .
However , something to keep in mind is that NAPLAN participation numbers can impact a school ’ s overall score . And , with funding tied to the literacy part of the test , this is something parents might want to consider carefully .
The rules regarding NAPLAN participation might also be different for
WHY ARE UNIONS , EXPERTS AND OTHERS CONCERNED ABOUT THE TEST ? Many union groups , peak bodies , experts and parents have reservations about the usefulness of NAPLAN . For instance , teachers ’ unions have been opposed to the NAPLAN data being disseminated on the My School website , creating what many believe to be “ league tables for schools ”. Many parents also dislike the stressful impact standardised testing can have on their children .
The NSW state government has also spearheaded a proposal to change the test to a new one called ANSA .
“ This test would happen at the start of the year and return results to teachers much more quickly ,” ABC News reported .
“ Currently the NAPLAN test happens in May , with the results not back until September , meaning they are of limited use to teachers in that school year .”
Monash lecturer in educational assessment and ethics Dr Ilana Finefter- Rosenbluh sees the return of NAPLAN this year as a wasted opportunity of sorts .
“ COVID-19 has highlighted the ongoing decline in youth mental health and educators ’ needs for support . Yet , NAPLAN is back in full force ; overlooking the opportunity to treat the 2020 standardised testing hiatus for new and ethical assessment frameworks that better capture schooling and foreground students ’ wellbeing ,” she said .
“ Research shows that educational leaders do not see much use for standardised testing data in guiding their actions to support student learning , adding to a recent review showing public confusion around the purpose of the test and concerns that students ’ outcomes are correlated to their socio-economic background .
“ Adjusting to a ‘ new normal ’, it is not too late for policymakers to reconsider the use of innovative assessment frameworks that highlight , among other aspects , students ’ emotional safety alongside their learning experiences .” ■
14 | educationreview . com . au