It’s that time of year again.
The 2024 NAPLAN results have been released, and as always, it has brought a wave of concern, with headlines highlighting that one in three students are not meeting expected literacy and numeracy standards.
With headlines like this, as well as many others of similar wording, it’s no wonder many parents are feeling anxious and worried about their child’s results. Every year we go through this same experience, so we thought it was time a teacher shared their perspective.
Keep reading to hear from someone who’s taught the year levels involved in NAPLAN testing – a view that might help you make sense of these results and understand what you should and shouldn’t focus on.
What Is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN, or the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, is an annual test that students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, must complete. It consists of 4 tests, covering reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and mathematics.
These tests are administered across multiple days, and all questions are unseen by students, teachers and schools. It is done this way to ensure the tests are administered with the same conditions for all students, and no schools are given an unfair advantage.
These tests consist of multiple choice, short answer questions and written responses to stimulus prompts. There are simple identification questions such as ‘identify the correct/incorrect spelling’ and more complex questions that require critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Why Do We Have NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is undertaken for a few different reasons, and there are both positive and negative aspects about this test.
The results of this testing inform the government of each school’s ranking against national standards as well as the national standards compared to international standards. Schools use the results to identify what learning areas the majority of students are struggling with and where improvements can be made across our Education system.
The problem so many teachers and parents often have with this test, is that a generalised test given under pressure isn’t always the best indicator of progress or success.
Positives and Negatives About NAPLAN
Positives:
- NAPLAN can help identify trends in educational outcomes and areas where improvements are needed.
- The results offer valuable data that can be used to make informed decisions about resource allocation, and curriculum development.
- Early detection of learning gaps allows schools and parents to implement targeted interventions to support students’ learning.
- The test holds schools accountable and can act as a motivator to maintain high standards of teaching.
- For parents, NAPLAN provides a general measure (a starting point) of your child’s performance in key areas, which can be useful for understanding how your child is progressing.
Negatives:
- NAPLAN only assesses literacy and numeracy, and doesn’t account for critical thinking, creativity, social skills, or emotional development.
- The pressure to perform well on the test can detract from the broader educational experience.
- As this is a standard test, it may not accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of all students, particularly students with additional learning needs.
- With results being provided so late in the school year, it limits their usefulness for teachers and parents.
- NAPLAN results can sometimes be misinterpreted or overemphasised, leading to a narrow focus on literacy and numeracy.
What Do The Results Mean for Your Child?
When discussing NAPLAN results, it’s important to keep in mind that NAPLAN is just one of many assessments used to gauge student learning. In classrooms, teachers use so many different testing methods to identify student strengths and areas for improvement, to provide a more comprehensive view of your child’s progress.
An interesting fact is that research shows assessment results from classroom tasks often align with NAPLAN results, suggesting that the test doesn’t offer much beyond what teachers already know about their students. Interesting thought right?
However, I do believe the results can help provide a starting point for our children and explore how they are progressing in a ‘general’ sense. So, if you would like to use the results to inform how you support your child at home, here are my recommendations:
Exceeding
This is a strong indication that your child has a firm grasp of the material and are performing above the expected standard for their year level.
- Encourage Exploration: Explore advanced books, engage in problem-solving activities, or take on more complex projects that align with their interests.
- Nurture Their Curiosity: Encourage them to ask questions and explore topics in greater depth. This could involve research projects, creative writing, or exploring new areas of interest.
- Consider Enrichment Opportunities: Look into enrichment programs, clubs, or extracurricular activities that can further develop their skills and keep them engaged.
Strong
Achieving a “strong” result indicates that your child is performing well and has a solid understanding of the material. While they are meeting expectations, there’s always room to build on their strengths.
- Celebrate Their Success: Recognise and celebrate your child’s achievements. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation.
- Focus on Skill Building: Continue to reinforce their strengths while also challenging them with slightly more difficult tasks such as reading more challenging books, advanced math problems, or engaging them in discussions that encourage critical thinking.
- Set New Goals Together: Work with your child to set new academic goals such as mastering a new skill, tackling a challenging book, or exploring a new area of interest.
Developing
A “developing” result suggests that your child is progressing towards the expected standard but may need a little extra support to get there.
- Focus on integrating practice into everyday activities. For example, you can improve literacy by encouraging more reading at home or work on numeracy skills through practical tasks like cooking or shopping.
- Encourage your child by acknowledging their efforts and progress and let them know that it’s okay to be in the “developing” phase.
- Discuss with your child’s teacher about additional resources or strategies that can be used both at home and in the classroom to support their development.
Needs Additional Support
If your child’s results indicate they “need additional support,” it’s an opportunity to provide them with the targeted help they need to succeed.
- Consider arranging for extra tutoring or support, whether through school programs or external resources.
- Help your child build confidence in their abilities and remind them that everyone learns at their own pace.
- At home, create a positive and encouraging learning environment. Make learning fun and stress-free by incorporating educational games, interactive activities, and plenty of encouragement.
- Collaborate closely with your child’s teachers and any specialists involved in their education to develop a plan that addresses their specific needs.
My final thoughts for you…
NAPLAN is only one piece of the puzzle. It captures just one moment in time—a single day in an entire year. It’s a snapshot, not a complete picture. Your child’s teacher already uses a variety of assessments to understand your child’s learning needs and tailor their instruction accordingly.
Your child’s ongoing development and growth are far more complex than what a single test can show.
Whilst I believe NAPLAN provides some insights and can help us support our children at home, they are far from the full story.
Trust in the broader range of assessments and the continuous support your child receives from their teachers throughout the year and know that their educational journey is about much more than just one test.
