Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's). Please click on a question to view the answer.
- Why national tests?
The results from the national literacy and numeracy tests will provide an important measure of how Australian students are performing in the content strands of numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Currently, national assessments are collated from the range of different tests set by the States and Territories, as well as other educational organisations. When students across Australia are doing the same tests in the content strands, it will be much easier to monitor student achievement.
- What will be different?
- For students, teachers and schools, there will be little change from current arrangements. The type of test questions and the test formats used will be familiar to teachers and students.
The main differences will be that students around Australia will be sitting the same tests on the same days.
The national tests will be administered for government schools by the same authorities that currently oversee the testing programs in each State and Territory. Catholic and independent schools may decide to continue with their current arrangements or opt to have their test logistical services provided through the Curriculum Corporation.
- For students, teachers and schools, there will be little change from current arrangements. The type of test questions and the test formats used will be familiar to teachers and students.
- Why are the tests in May?
- Previously, the timing of the State- and Territory-based tests varied across the country.
After consultation with State and Territory education authorities, May was chosen as the most appropriate time for the national tests. It is early enough in the year for the test results to be used as a diagnostic tool.
- Previously, the timing of the State- and Territory-based tests varied across the country.
- What about students with special needs?
- The support that currently exists for students with special needs will be maintained. All students are encouraged to participate in the national tests and special provisions will be made to meet the needs of individual students with special needs.
Schools will need to make arrangements prior to the test period with the appropriate Test Administration Authority so that special provisions (eg test papers in Braille) can be arranged. The administrative handbooks for national tests will have details about these provisions.
- The support that currently exists for students with special needs will be maintained. All students are encouraged to participate in the national tests and special provisions will be made to meet the needs of individual students with special needs.
- How will the results be reported?
The results from the assessment program will be used for:
- Individual student reports to parents
- school reporting to their communities, and
- aggregate reporting.
Parents will receive information on their child’s performance through the individual reports on each student.
- What support will there be for schools and teachers?
- Administrative guidelines called the National Protocols for Test Administration will ensure that all students around Australia take the tests under the same conditions.
State- and Territory-specific advice will be provided by the appropriate Test Administration Authorities.
For schools in the non-government sector, the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and the Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) will provide specific additional advice and guidelines.
- Administrative guidelines called the National Protocols for Test Administration will ensure that all students around Australia take the tests under the same conditions.
- Is there a legislative framework for the national tests?
- These literacy and numeracy tests form a key part of the National Assessment Program endorsed by all Australian Ministers for Education. The tests have been developed in accordance with the provisions of the Schools Assistance (Learning Together – Achievement through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 and supporting regulations. On behalf of all Australian Ministers for Education, AESOC has directed the Curriculum Corporation to develop and coordinate the delivery of NAPLAN in 2008 and 2009.