What is NAPLAN?
There has been a lot of emphasis on NAPLAN since its introduction in 2008. NAPLAN, the National Assessment Program on Literacy and Numeracy, is a nationwide standardised test for students in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia. The NAPLAN testing aims to assess the literacy and numeracy levels of students in all States and Territories of Australia.
The NAPLAN testing scheme was introduced to determine how well Australian students are performing in areas such as reading, writing, and numeracy at their grade level. It helps to gauge whether students are performing above, at, or below the national standard. Some schools have embraced the NAPLAN more than others, leading to debate on its effectiveness. However, the introduction of national testing provides consistency, comparability, and transferability of student data across the country. This lays the groundwork for a more uniform Australian curriculum, ensuring that every school is teaching the relevant material and offering a way to compare schools and teachers. 📚
The Pros and Cons of NAPLAN
Whether your child is in a NAPLAN year or about to enter one, it’s important to understand the significance of the test. The validity of NAPLAN as a testing tool is measured by how effectively it provides results and outcomes for schools. When excessive emphasis is placed on NAPLAN results by schools, teachers, tutors, and parents, it distorts the purpose of the test. The NAPLAN is meant to evaluate a school during a normal school year, reflecting how well the school’s practices are working with students. However, when too much pressure is placed on students to produce favorable results, it skews the test’s true purpose and weakens the reliability of its findings. 😟
This means many students in NAPLAN years work harder to achieve higher results. While this can undermine the true intent of NAPLAN, it still provides a snapshot of how students are performing nationwide and offers insight into how well your child is performing in comparison. Ultimately, NAPLAN is intended to guide and support student development, rather than just measure it.
How to Prepare for NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing will likely differ from the usual tests your child takes in school, but it remains just as important. There are past tests available to help your child get a sense of what to expect. NAPLAN has reportedly become more challenging over the years, so don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t perform well—it’s actually quite difficult. It’s also possible to achieve excellent results in class while performing poorly on NAPLAN, or vice versa. This is due to the fact that NAPLAN emphasizes lateral thinking and abstract problem-solving, which may not be emphasized in regular classroom activities. 🧠
Even if your child finds NAPLAN challenging, it doesn’t mean they aren’t doing well in their regular studies. The key is to remain focused on both preparing for the test and nurturing your child’s overall academic growth.
For further practice, visit www.ezymathtutoring.com.au for more resources.
