Opinion

Three ways to end NAPLAN mediocrity in our schools

Governments must lift proficiency levels, boost the quality of classroom curriculums and identify as soon as possible those students who are falling behind.

Jordana Hunter and Nick Parkinson

Aug 14, 2024 – 5.00am

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The 2024 NAPLAN results are in, and they paint a sobering picture of Australia’s school system. The data reveals that Australia is a long way from the goal of excellence and equity in every school.

About one in three students fell short of the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) proficiency benchmark. That’s about 450,000 students across the country who have not made sufficient progress in literacy and numeracy: skills that are crucial for their wellbeing and their future.

Jordana Hunter is the Education Program Director at Grattan Institute.

Nick Parkinson is an Associate in the Education Program at Grattan Institute.