Our analysis reveals the participation rate is alarmingly low for some groups of students, such as First Nations kids and students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why should a Year 3 student score higher in writing skills than a Year 9 student?
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To assess problem-solving, creative and critical thinking skills on NAPLAN would fit with broader movements in education internationally, but there are some questions to address first.
NAPLAN is a “dumb” test administered to all students, regardless of contextual factors such as location and culture.
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Literacy and numeracy can be assessed through creative tasks, like creating a drama performance or an electrical circuit, without hindering creativity.
4.5 million young Australians between the ages of nine and 24 have taken NAPLAN tests at some point during their schooling.
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Geoff Masters, Australian Council for Educational Research
NAPLAN has now been in place for a decade and needs ongoing review and refinement to make it more useful to classroom teaching and learning.
We need to look for more engaging and relevant assessments that use the tools available in an online environment for re-envisioning NAPLAN.
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