NAPLAN   NAPLAN is a yearly test which assesses skills in literacy and numeracy for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The test is held every year in the second week of May. The primary goal of NAPLAN isn’t to provide students with a pass or fail mark, but to ensure high-quality education for all. So while it’s inevitable that there will be some nervousness leading up to it, know that it isn’t the be all, end all of exams. Rather, NAPLAN can help you understand the level your child is at and help them correct the course or make adjustments to their ongoing education.  

What is NAPLAN And Why Is It Necessary

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy) was formed by the Education Council in 2008. It reflects the two crucial goals of the council:
  • To promote excellence in students across states and territories, at par.
  • To make Australian students productive, informed, and successful individuals.
It’s used to capture the level and progress of education across the entire country. NAPLAN provides indispensable information to the government and academic institutes which helps them plan academic policies, curriculum, interventions and teaching strategies. They can allocate resources where the need arises to improve the overall education system.   Moreover, NAPLAN helps to set age-appropriate benchmarks of learning that help educators determine when a student is in need of extra assistance. Comprehensive and comparable result reports are provided at the school and national levels. This can enhance a student’s performance over time. Also, it assigns accountability to teachers, schools and the government itself.  

The Test and Its Measures

NAPLAN doesn’t test the school’s curriculum or syllabus, moreso it examines the student’s general proficiency in English and Maths. It evaluates their level of applied learning for example, problem-solving skills, time management, comprehension & navigation in tests. For students without an English background or with an intellectual disability, special provisions are applied, thus the test provides equal opportunity for students.   NAPLAN scores range from 0 to 1000 and are divided into 10 bands (1-10). These bands indicate a range of raw scores which are equivalent to a NAPLAN scale score. You can assess the score equivalence tables to gauge student success. Their levels of achievement are also appraised through a proficiency scale, which remains consistent over time. For instance, a score of 800 in writing will mean the same in the years 2015 and 2021. Furthermore, there are National Minimum Standards and Proficiency Standards in place which establish a threshold to compare the student performance across states with the national average.  

How To Prepare For NAPLAN

Since NAPLAN is unique in its content, few people know what the test entails. You can access the past papers to get a glimpse of this form of standardised testing. It tests the core skills students acquire at school in the following domains:
  • Reading Reading examines whether a child can comprehend the written text. It also studies their ability to interpret information. Students are asked to read magazines that contain different writing styles. A separate booklet is given to the students to answer questions related to the magazine. –  Inculcate a habit of reading books or educational magazines in the child. – Make the child explain and infer paragraphs from books. – Ask specific questions related to their reading material. This augments their ability to think and apprehend concepts. – Practice with reading exercises and past year test papers.
  • Language (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) This test assesses the use of language tools and basic literacy skills. These devices are employed to read and write in English. The test checks whether the child uses coherent punctuation, spelling and grammar rules. – Clarify, revise and practice grammar concepts diligently. For example, appropriate use of tenses and active or passive voice. – Introduce new words to your child and make them use those in daily conversations. This will expand their vocabulary gradually. – Explain the importance of punctuation tools and their effect on sentence structure.
  • Writing Writing test analyses the student’s skills on the basis of two genres- Narrative writing and Persuasive writing. A prompt is provided on the day of the test. It decides the type of text the student has to write. There are 10 criteria for scoring each type of writing: Audience, Text Structure, Ideas, Vocabulary, Cohesion, Paragraphing, Sentence Structure, Punctuation and Spelling. The tenth criterion differs for the two types. Narrative writing tests Character and Setting whereas persuasive writing assesses Persuasive Devices. – Explain the difference between the two types of writing styles in great detail. – Practice the two types of text equally. Suggest random or sample prompts for practice. – Decide on a go-to structure to use in the essay. For instance, introduction-body-conclusion. – Help the child focus on nuances of writing such as audience, cohesion and ideas.
  • Numeracy This domain tests the mathematical knowledge and skills of the student. It involves three branches of Maths: number & algebra, measurement & geometry; and statistics & probability. There are two types of questions in the paper: multiple choice questions and constructed responses. However, the online version of the test also includes technology-enhanced items. Proficiency in reasoning & problem-solving skills is analysed. Fluency and basic understanding of the concepts are also factored in evaluation. – Make sure your child’s maths skills are consistent with their grade’s expected numeracy achievements. – Most people aren’t skilled at Maths. Appoint a tutor if you can’t help with this subject. Individual attention and an expert will help your child ace maths. – Since maths is cumulative, try to solidify your child’s base in the subject. Clarify their doubts about previous topics before proceeding to new ones. – Practice plays a significant role in maths learning. Use multiple worksheets and NAPLAN practice tests for each topic.

Tips to Excel the NAPLAN Test

  • Keep the child remains calm and stress-free. The purpose of the test is to improve student’s performance, not to degrade it through pointless anxiety.
  • Overpreparation can adversely affect the student’s scores. Don’t nudge your child into cramming and incessant practice.
  • Make them understand the test structure and requirements, specific to each domain.
  • Help them practice through past NAPLAN test papers and samples available online.
  • Talk to the child’s teacher to evaluate their weaknesses and strengths. This can help them prepare according to their needs.
  • Find a tutor to help them attempt the test efficiently. A tutor can enhance their comprehension of questions and hone their time-management skills.
  • Make the child realise the objective of the test. It is important for students not to compare their results with others which can diminish their self-esteem. Instead, instil a sense of self-confidence in your child.
NAPLAN is an integral part of a student’s life. It provides invaluable insight into your child’s competencies. As a parent, you can determine the aspects where your child is flourishing and where they need extra help. It ensures their competent lifelong literacy and numerical skills. Furthermore, NAPLAN guides the Australian schools and government to provide the best possible education for your child.