Boosts In Indigenous Naplan Results Since 2008

Naplan results have remained stable in the past year, but recent figures show Indigenous students have recorded significant gains since 2008.

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy results were released on Tuesday. Almost all content areas, except for writing, have improved significantly since the test was first conducted in 2008.

According to the Guardian, results improved in year 3 and 5 reading, year 3 spelling, grammar and punctuation, and year 5 numeracy.

All states and territories reported significant gains, but Western Australia and Queensland saw the biggest spikes. In terms of overall highest average achievement, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria continue to hold the crown.

Robert Randall, chief executive of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, said the Naplan results were welcome but that there’s still room for improvement.

“We should expect more for our children,” said Randall. “We need to raise our expectations and strive for improved results across the board.”

His comments come in light of recent news about long-term declines in student performance in maths and science. “There is broad scope for improvement in achievement,” he said.

The federal education minister Simon Birmingham commented on the Naplan results, saying they clearly indicate how important it is to ensure funding is being used on initiatives proven to boost student results.

Shadow education minister Tanya Plibersek said the results of recent major school tests (including the VCE) show disadvantaged Australian kids are still struggling at school. “That’s why Labor supports extra needs-based funding for schools,” she explained.

Photo: iStock