NAPLAN

Next week, as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), national tests will be held in literacy and numeracy for all students in Australia at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Timothy is in Year 3 and this is his test schedule:

Tuesday 13 May: Language Conventions*(40 minutes) & Writing (40 minutes)

Wednesday 14 May: Reading (45 minutes)

Thursday 15 May: Numeracy** (45 minutes)

* Language Conventions incorporates spelling, grammar and punctuation.
** Numeracy incorporates Number, Space, Algebra, function and pattern, Space, Measurement, chance and data.

The results from the national literacy and numeracy tests will provide an important measure of how Australian students are performing in the content strands of numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. The month of May was chosen as the most appropriate time for the national tests. It is early enough in the year for the test results to be used as a diagnostic tool.

Timothy’s first reaction to this was: O Why? Why must the tests always be in May? (His birthday falls on the 9th of May)…This is the kind of phobia he has of tests and exams. To him, the sound of tests and exams is just 'YUCKS!' He also asked if there’s an ‘MOE’ in Australia. I explained to him the purpose of the tests. Moreover, this is the ONLY test that he has to take for the year, or two years since there’s no assessment for him next year. On top of that, the tests is diagnostic in nature and does not 'stream' the kids into various classes.

Timothy is actually looking forward to the test as he hopes to score well and redeem his playtime on the Nintendo DS. That was banned since last year, for some reason, and the ban will be lifted if he puts in his best effort and scores well.

All the best to Timothy! ;)