MEDIA RELEASE – Issued by Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)

The annual NAPLAN assessment begins tomorrow, with 1.2 million students set to take the test in more than 9,500 schools and campuses across Australia.

This year marks the final year of transition to online testing, with all schools across Australia now participating in NAPLAN tests online.

“NAPLAN online is a better, more precise assessment that is more engaging for students,” ACARA CEO, David de Carvalho, said.

“The tailored testing means students are given questions that are better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.

“NAPLAN online also has a variety of accessibility adjustments, so that students with diverse capabilities, learning needs and functional abilities are able to participate.

Mr de Carvalho said NAPLAN was entering a new era, with 2022 being the first year all schools will take the test online and the last year that the test will take place in May.

“Earlier this year, education ministers announced that NAPLAN will move from May to March from 2023, so results will be available to education authorities earlier in the year to inform school and system teaching and learning programs,” said Mr de Carvalho.

“These changes mean that the valuable NAPLAN data will be more useful to teachers, schools and education authorities.”

NAPLAN tests are the only measure governments, education authorities, schools and parents/carers have to see whether young Australians are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals using a national, objective scale.

“This year’s test is particularly important so that we can add to a national data set and continue getting insight into the impact the pandemic has had after 2 years of disruptions to schooling,” Mr de Carvalho said.

“The last 2 years have been challenging for schools, parents and students, with disruptions such as lockdowns, floods and COVID cases keeping students out of the classrooms at times.

“Contingency plans are in place in each state and territory, as they were last year, and jurisdictional testing authorities can support schools that need flexibility and help completing NAPLAN due to disruptions caused by COVID, flooding or other reasons.”

Mr de Carvalho said no extra preparation is required for NAPLAN and that there is no need for students to feel anxious about the assessment.

“NAPLAN tests literacy and numeracy skills that are continuously being developed in the classroom. Like any test or challenge students face at school, you should simply remind your child to do the best they can on the day of the test.”