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NAPLAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is NAPLAN testing?

NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skill in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals about student achievement which can be used to inform teaching and learning programs.

NAPLAN tests provide point-in-time information regarding student progress across Australia in literacy and numeracy and are intended to complement teacher judgement and the wide range of formal and informal testing programs that are already used in schools. As with all single assessments, NAPLAN test results are not intended to be used in isolation from other school-based assessment programs. Schools should ensure that, along with whole-school planning for delivery of the VELS curriculum, a variety of assessment tasks is used to assess student learning.

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When are the tests held?

NAPLAN 2009 test dates for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are as follows:

  • Tuesday 12 May 2009: Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Writing
  • Wednesday 13 May 2009: Reading
  • Thursday 14 May 2009: Numeracy*

* Year 3 and 5 students undertake one numeracy test.  The use of a calculator is not permitted in this test. Year 7 and 9 students undertake two numeracy tests, one of which requires the use of a calculator.

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Why did NAPLAN replace AIM tests?

Prior to 2008, States and Territories conducted their own literacy and numeracy tests, often at different times of the year.  In Victoria, NAPLAN tests replaced the previous Achievement Improvement Monitor (AIM) English and Mathematics assessment program (and the earlier Learning Assessment Project) which had been in operation since 1996.

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Who is responsible for developing the tests?

The Curriculum Corporation has responsibility for developing the 2008 and 2009 NAPLAN tests, in consultation with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and education authorities from all other states and territories, the Commonwealth government and non-government schools

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Who is responsible for implementing the tests in Victoria?

The VCAA is responsible for implementing NAPLAN tests for all Victorian schools.

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What will happen to the test results?

The VCAA collects and reports on all of the results from the tests undertaken by students in Victoria.

Parents receive feedback about their child's performance, including individual reports for each child.

Schools will continue to receive results for individual students, groups of students and whole school performance.

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What results will I receive for my child?

Each child who participated in the tests will receive an individual parent report that shows performance in literacy and numeracy. The report also compares an individual to:

  • other Australian students
  • the average score on the NAPLAN tests and
  • the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in Australia.

A pamphlet, Reporting Information for Parents will also be included with each parent report to provide assistance with interpreting the results.

Parents should contact their child’s school in the first instance regarding the distribution of parent reports.

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What if a child has special needs?

The NAPLAN tests offer the same levels of support for students with special needs as previously existed under the AIM testing system.

All students are encouraged to take part in the NAPLAN tests. Special provisions are available to meet the needs of individual students, such as alternative versions of the tests in Large Print or Braille.

Parents should contact their child's school in the first instance regarding any special provisions for their child.

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What information is available for Parents?

There are two types of pamphlets for parents and these are also available in languages other than English. The pamphlets for 2008 are:

  • The NAPLAN Parent Information pamphlet – Distributed to schools in the lead up to the first NAPLAN tests in May.
  • The Reporting Information for Parents pamphlet – Provided with the parent reports and contains information on how to read the reports and provides an explanation of the national minimum standards.

Copies of these pamphlets can be found in the Parent Information Pamphlets section.

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Further information

  • Acronyms and terms are defined in the VCAA Acronyms and Glossary
  • DEECD Parents page (www.education.vic.gov.au)
  • Parent Update (www.education.vic.gov.au)
    a free email newsletter that will keep you 'in the loop' with the latest information and changes to education in Victoria
  • Parents Victoria (www.parentsvictoria.asn.au)
    a statewide organisation representing parents of students in Victorian government schools.
  • Where To Now? - an online Guide to the VCE, VCAL and Apprenticeships and Traineeships

 

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