Queensland to play key role in NAPLAN review

NAPLAN is set to be the focus of a tri-state government review, as pressure ramps up for the controversial testing method to be scrapped.

QUEENSLAND is set to play a key role in a $1 million tri-state review into NAPLAN, as Education Minister Grace Grace calls on other states to join up.

The state has banded with the Victorian and New South Wales state governments to conduct a review into the controversial testing system, with Ms Grace saying research and insights gained from the Queensland review released earlier this year would contribute heavily.

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The terms of reference for the breakaway review have been outlined ahead of today’s Education Council, with factors such as the test’s appropriateness, efficiency and accuracy to be questioned along with whether the right year levels are tested, how the test assesses students, and system performance over time.

It will also examine NAPLAN’s alignment with the Australian Curriculum and the impact of the assessments on schools, students and the community.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace. Picture: Annette Dew

“If students, parents and educators are to have confidence in national testing, we must ensure that it remains relevant and credible,” Ms Grace said.

“Our review identified that NAPLAN had played a role in supporting improvements in Queensland’s educational outcomes, but that there were a range of unintended consequences stemming from the now high-stakes nature of the testing.

“We would welcome the Commonwealth or any other state or territory government joining the review to ensure as many stakeholders as possible can have their say.”

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said this week the review may lead to a recommendation of NAPLAN being scrapped, and replaced with an alternative.

The review will be led by a panel of education experts including Emeritus Professor Barry McGaw, Professor Claire Wyatt-Smith and Emeritus Professor William Louden.

An interim report would be provided to Education Council later this year, with stage 2 of the review to be presented in 2020.