Reporting authority quells reports of discrepancies between online and paper NAPLAN tests
DATA from the latest NAPLAN tests will be released “within coming days” as authorities were forced to defend the controversial exam.
Education
Don't miss out on the headlines from Education . Followed categories will be added to My News.
DATA from the latest NAPLAN tests will be released “within coming days” as authorities were forced to defend the controversial exam.
Teachers and Victoria’s deputy Premier slammed the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority amid concerns data had been delayed due to being compromised by a new online version of the test.
The Herald Sun understand the office of Education Minister James Merlino was briefed on issues of comparing the data between the traditional pen and paper test and the online test, rolled out this year.
LATEST NAPLAN RESULTS A ‘MIXED BAG’
SPELLING STUMPS HUNDREDS OF VICTORIAN KIDS
But ACARA chief executive Robert Randall denied that the data release had been delayed, rather that it was getting “extra attention” in the first year of online testing.
”Parents, schools and educators should be assured that the 2018 NAPLAN results are on track to be released soon,” he said.
“As this is the first year of online assessment, extra attention has been given to reviewing the data and ensuring it is comparable with previous years and between online and paper test modes.
“ACARA’s data analysts and measurement advisory experts have advised the data are valid and comparable.”
One in five students nationally took part in the online test this year, with that figure reducing to about one in 10 in Victoria.
A furious Mr Merlino labelled the authority’s rollout of the online tests as “appalling”.
“I am extremely concerned that we are now in a position where the data may not be comparable,” he said.
“From the very moment NAPLAN online started, we have had issues.”
The Victorian Government is however supportive of a national standardised test.
The Australian Education Union repeated its calls that the online test be scrapped and the whole NAPLAN system be reviewed, stating that principals had expected to receive data today.
“NAPLAN online is fundamentally flawed and must not be implemented,” AEU boss Correna Haythorpe said.
The online version was rolled out at 124 Victorian schools for the first time in May.
Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said it had been “disappointing to see some people try to mount scare campaigns about NAPLAN”.
“Australians should see through the scare campaign being peddled by the union as little more than cheap opportunism from those who have always opposed parents receiving transparent and accountable information on student and school performance,” he said.
The Australian Education Senior Officials Committee met in Canberra today, with NAPLAN results added to the agenda.
The annual literacy and numeracy test for Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 is expected to transition from paper and pen to online over three years.
Which unis give you best odds of finding a job?
Nine out of 10 graduates from Victorian universities are working full-time three years after finishing their studies. See which are the top-ranked institutions for higher education in Victoria.
Your guide to schools around Dandenong
As more people move to Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, the need for secondary schools in the area grows. Here’s a comprehensive guide of each school you can send your child to, including the VCE scores, subjects and public transport options.