Background

States and Territories have previously conducted their own literacy and numeracy tests. These assessment programs have helped to support student learning and give schools information about the strengths and weaknesses in their teaching programs.

The National Assessment Program, conducted by the Ministerial Council for Education, Employment and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA), has gathered information from these different tests in order to monitor student progress over time. The data from these test results has given schools and systems the ability to compare their students' achievements against national standards and with student achievement in other States and Territories.

In July 2006, MCEETYA determined that national testing in literacy and numeracy would proceed for the full cohort of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 from 2008.

In July 2006, the Australian Education Systems Officials Committee (AESOC) commissioned the Curriculum Corporation to manage the delivery of the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy tests in 2008 and 2009.

The NAPLAN Project Team and Project Reference Group

The NAPLAN Project Team reports to the AESOC NAPLAN Steering Group and through it to AESOC and MCEETYA. The team is based at the Curriculum Corporation in Melbourne and works closely with all States and Territories as well as the Catholic and Independent sectors through the Project Reference Group to develop and implement the national tests.

The Project Reference Group is comprised of Senior Managers for each State and Territory, as well as representatives from the Catholic and Independent School sectors. They provide advice and feedback on all aspects of NAPLAN and assist in developing the National Protocols for Test Administration.