Testing in schools is a crucial part of learning and teaching, but it needs to be done right to have the best impact…

The Federal Education Department (FED) devised The National Assessment Program NAPLAN to hold schools accountable for their performance as learning institutions. In pursuit of these original goals, the FED conduct annual assessments for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is the independent statutory authority responsible for the overall management of the Australian National Assessment Program, in collaboration with representatives from all states and territories and non-government school sectors.

Unfortunately, the test that was created to “keep track of schools that are letting the system down” morphed over the years into a tool to harvest information and rank schools, which is a dangerous development.

Testing in schools – NAPLAN

Testing in schools is a valuable instrument that helps to raise standards when utilised properly. However, the current NAPLAN tests have caused numerous problems. That problems ultimately fail the students who want to learn. Since schools are judged on their NAPLAN results, they are teaching to the NAPLAN test at the expense of genuine educational goals again to the detriment of students and the country as a whole.

However, given all of its drawbacks I am still a supporter of testing in schools, including the NAPLAN test when properly used in its original manner. Many years ago there was the School Certificate that tested students in English, Mathematics and Science. Then as a cost cutting measure Science tests were deleted with just tests in English and Mathematics.

After a seven-year hiatus, Science was again tested in the School Certificate, with the first Science test under the new regime to the last School Certificate test.

The results were significantly poorer than the previous students’ results. Science teaching standards have not recovered from the drop during those seven years.

Testing, including the NAPLAN, is an important part of the educational mix. And like many other aspects, it is far from perfect. More research has to be done to ensure that all testing work is beneficial to the overall goals of education.

Over the next few weeks we will look at research in how the brain works and how children learn.

See: The Weekender(Page 58)