Question 1

Is NAPLAN compulsory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NAPLAN is a compulsory national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. However, parents can withdraw their children by providing a written request to the school. Students with significant disabilities may be exempt. The decision to withdraw should be discussed with the school.

Question 2

Does NAPLAN affect my child's school grades or placement?

Accepted Answer

NAPLAN results don't directly affect school grades or determine which class a student is placed in. However, schools may use results to identify students who need additional support. Some selective schools may consider NAPLAN results as part of entry assessment. Results are primarily diagnostic.

Question 3

What if my child is sick on NAPLAN test day?

Accepted Answer

Students who miss tests due to illness can take a 'catch-up' test during the catch-up window (usually the week following main testing). If students miss all testing, they won't receive a NAPLAN result for that year. Contact your school if your child is absent.

Question 4

What support is available for students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

NAPLAN offers various adjustments for students with disabilities, including: alternative test formats, extra time, rest breaks, scribes, readers (for non-reading tests), assistive technology, and modified test environments. Schools arrange adjustments based on students' usual learning adjustments. Some students may be exempt if no adjustments can provide meaningful access.

Question 5

When do NAPLAN results come out?

Accepted Answer

Since the move to March testing and online format, results are released much faster - typically in Term 2 (around May-June). Individual student reports are sent to parents through schools. Summary data is available on the My School website.

Question 6

Should I hire a tutor for NAPLAN?

Accepted Answer

Most educators advise against intensive NAPLAN tutoring. NAPLAN is designed to assess skills developed through regular schooling. Excessive test preparation can increase anxiety without improving underlying skills. Focus on building literacy and numeracy throughout the year. Familiarization with the online format through free practice tests is useful.

Question 7

Why is NAPLAN controversial?

Accepted Answer

Critics argue NAPLAN causes student anxiety, narrows curriculum focus, doesn't provide timely enough feedback, and that published school results lead to unfair rankings. Supporters say it provides valuable system-wide data and helps identify students needing support. The debate continues about reform or replacement.

Question 8

Can I compare my child's results to others?

Accepted Answer

Individual student reports show how your child's results compare to national averages and proficiency standards. You cannot see individual results of other students. School-level summary data is publicly available on the My School website for comparing school performance.

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