NAPLAN Frequently Asked Questions
From 2008, the Achievement Improvement Monitor (AIM) English and Mathematics Tests undertaken by Victorian students in primary and secondary schools will be replaced with the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). This means that students from Victoria will sit the NAPLAN tests at the same time as students from all other states and territories in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is different about the NAPLAN tests?
The main difference is that spelling, punctuation and grammar, currently part of the AIM English test, will be in a separate Language Conventions test. Also, Teacher Assessed Tasks will not be part of the 2008 NAPLAN. The tests will be also held over three days instead of two days.
Year 7 and Year 9 students will each undertake two numeracy tests on Thursday 15 May 2008. The second test will require the use of a calculator. Schools will need to ensure that all Year 7 and Year 9 students have either their own calculator or a calculator that they are familiar with, to use during the test. Schools are advised to have a reserve of working calculators available for students to use should students forget to bring their own calculators, or if their own calculator fails during the course of the test.
What will stay the same?
The NAPLAN tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will assess literacy and numeracy skills in much the same way that the current AIM tests do. The format of the national tests will be very similar to the questions currently used in the AIM English and Mathematics tests. The NAPLAN tests will be expected to align with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.
When will the tests be held?
The NAPLAN tests will be undertaken in a single week of testing over three days in the middle of May 2008.
The 2008 testing schedule
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit these tests as follows:
- Tuesday 13 May: Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Writing
- Wednesday 14 May: Reading
- Thursday 15 May: Numeracy
There will be opportunities for ‘catch up' tests to be conducted up until Friday 23 May 2008 for any students who were unable to do the tests on the nominated day.
Who is responsible for developing the tests?
The Curriculum Corporation has been given responsibility for developing the NAPLAN tests. This has been done 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.
Who is responsible for delivering the tests in Victoria?
The VCAA is responsible for delivering tests for all Victorian schools in the same way that it has had responsibility for delivering the AIM tests.
What will happen to the test results?
The VCAA will collect and report on all of the results from the tests undertaken by students in Victoria .
Parents will continue to 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.
What if a child has special needs?
The NAPLAN tests will offer the same levels of support for students with special needs as currently exist under the AIM testing system.
All students will be encouraged to take part in the NAPLAN tests. Special provisions will continue to be made available to meet the needs of individual students, such as alternative versions of the tests in large print or Braille.
What about the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)?
The introduction of national testing does not affect the Victorian Certificate of Education. These examinations will continue to be undertaken in the same way and at the same times as they currently are.
How will schools be supported to introduce the new tests?
Supporting materials will be made available to schools, including test practice materials and test booklets, early in 2008.
As more information about the National Assessment Program becomes available this will be placed on the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au.
