Understand the new NAPLAN
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) has undergone significant changes for 2023. As a teacher, it is essential to understand these changes to prepare your students for the upcoming tests.
New assessment standards
One of the most significant changes to NAPLAN is the introduction of new assessment standards. These new standards have replaced the previous achievement levels of “below national minimum standard,” “at national minimum standard,” and “above national minimum standard.” Instead, the new standards have been divided into ten levels, ranging from Level 1 (the lowest) to Level 10 (the highest). The new standards have been introduced to provide more detailed and accurate information about students’ achievement levels. They also offer a broader range of achievement levels, allowing for more nuanced information about student performance.
Delivery changes
In previous years, all students in a year level would complete the same test. However, for 2023, NAPLAN will feature personalised testing, meaning that each student will receive a unique test based on their level of achievement. Personalised testing is aimed at ensuring that each student is tested at the appropriate level. The test will still be delivered online, and students will complete four tests: reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. The tests will also have a focus on real-world problem-solving skills to ensure that students can apply their skills in practical situations.
More time to act
The changes to the NAPLAN tests have also resulted in a change in the testing period. Instead of taking place in May, NAPLAN tests will now be conducted in March, giving teachers and schools more time in the school year to act on gaps identified by the testing, and allowing teachers to plan specific, targeted lessons.
Pre and post testing with Education Perfect
To support schools and teachers in preparing their students for NAPLAN, Education Perfect has introduced pre/post testing. This feature enables teachers to identify areas where their students require additional support and resources to improve their skills. The pre-test feature allows teachers to assess their students’ current level of understanding of a particular topic or skill. Based on the results, teachers can then provide targeted support to those who need it, ensuring that students are better prepared for the NAPLAN test. The post-test feature provides a way for teachers to measure the effectiveness of their teaching strategies. Teachers can identify areas where their teaching has been successful and areas where they need to focus more attention in the future.
Final thoughts
The changes to NAPLAN tests for 2023 aim to provide more accurate and detailed information about student performance. The new assessment standards offer a broader range of achievement levels, and personalised testing ensures that each student is tested at the appropriate level. The introduction of pre/post testing with Education Perfect provides teachers with a valuable tool to identify areas where their students require additional support and measure the effectiveness of their teaching strategies. Finally, the change in the testing period provides teachers with more time to prepare their students for the tests. As a teacher, it is important to familiarise yourself with these changes to help your students achieve their best possible results.
