Released 28/08/2018
Preliminary summary results of the 2018 NAPLAN online test released by ACARA today shows the ACT’s performance remains strong when compared to other states and territories.
Ninety one (91) per cent of ACT schools and ninety four (94) per cent of ACT students completed online testing across the four domains of reading, persuasive writing, language conventions and numeracy.
ACT mean scores were the highest or equal highest in the nation along with New South Wales and Victoria in 16 of the 20 areas tested, compared with 15 of 20 in the equivalent report last year. This included Year 7 and 9 ranked highest or equal highest in all areas.
NAPLAN testing provides a snapshot of student progress at a point in time and is one of many tools used by schools and systems to assess learning and make decisions. The data it provides can help teachers and parents look at each individual child to understand where they were doing well, and diagnose and support areas where their learning needs to grow.
There is, however, more to measuring the quality of school education than this test and NAPLAN should not be used to rank and compare individuals and schools.
Since taking up the education portfolio I’ve held concerns that some students, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, do not have access to an equal start in their education and life. Analysis commissioned by the Education Directorate in 2017, a 2017 Auditor-General’s report and other research evidence has validated my concerns.
The government’s work developing the Future of Education Strategy has responded with a key focus on equity, on making sure that every school student is supported according to their needs towards the best possible learning outcomes.
Additionally, the government has commenced a focused effort to improve data literacy and use among teachers. This has begun with professional learning across all school leaders and targeted work with principals on literacy and numeracy interventions responding to analysis of NAPLAN, Performance Indicators in Primary School (PIPS) and other data sets.
Teachers are expert professionals and the ACT government recognises that quality teaching is one of the most critical factors in achieving student outcomes and mitigating disadvantage. As part of the Future of Education Strategy the ACT will be moving towards a structured approach to providing appropriate instructional leadership and support and ensure a focus on delivering quality teaching, in every learning environment.
The government has also been working with literacy experts to deliver the Early Years Literacy Project, a professional learning program that delivers high quality, expert instruction to school leaders and teachers.
The aim of the project is to build the professional capacity of Kindergarten to Year 2 teachers to implement evidence-based literacy practices, including reading, writing and spelling.
Parents can expect to receive their child’s NAPLAN report in the coming weeks.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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