One in three Aussie students miss the mark on new NAPLAN standards

Australian Students Struggle to Meet NAPLAN Benchmarks: A Wake-Up Call for Education System

NAPLAN Results Show Academic Struggles

According to the latest NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) test results, just under one-third of Australian children and slightly over a quarter of Victoria’s students are failing to meet new proficiency standards for literacy and numeracy. The 2023 NAPLAN test introduced higher benchmarks that align with international testing, replacing the previous minimum standards. These results serve as a wake-up call for Australia, as they reveal a concerning number of underperforming students that were previously masked by low minimum standards.

Gender Differences in Performance

The NAPLAN data also highlights gender differences in student performance. Girls outperformed boys in writing across all year groups, while boys continue to outperform girls in numeracy. These findings suggest that there may be areas where different teaching methods or approaches could benefit specific genders, promoting more balanced achievement in both writing and numeracy.

The Importance of Phonics Screening Checks

Jordana Hunter, the education program director at the Grattan Institute, emphasizes the need for the Victorian government to follow New South Wales’ example and introduce phonics screening checks for year 1 students. This intervention is particularly crucial given that one in four year 3 students in Victoria were marked as below proficiency in reading. The introduction of explicit approaches to teaching key aspects of literacy and numeracy in primary school is essential to ensuring that students receive the necessary support and are not left struggling to catch up in later years.

Addressing Disparities for Indigenous and Low Socio-Economic Background Students

The NAPLAN results further demonstrate disparities in student achievement based on various factors. Indigenous students in Victoria, on average, showed lower performance compared to their non-Indigenous peers, indicating the need for targeted support for these students. Additionally, students from non-urban areas and those from low socio-economic backgrounds also face significant challenges. Education systems must prioritize and provide additional support to these students, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities that can help bridge achievement gaps.

Implications for Education System

The NAPLAN results underscore the need for the education system to address the identified shortcomings and take appropriate measures to support struggling learners. The new benchmarks aligned with international standards provide a clearer picture of achievement levels and highlight the areas where improvement is needed. The challenge lies in systematically defining and delivering the necessary additional support to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their potential.

Editorial: Investing in Early Intervention

The latest NAPLAN results emphasize the importance of early intervention in addressing educational disparities and improving student outcomes. By implementing phonics screening checks in year 1 and fostering explicit teaching approaches in primary schools, authorities can ensure that students receive the foundational skills needed for success in later years. Investing in early intervention programs and adequately supporting struggling learners is crucial to prevent these students from falling further behind as they progress through the education system.

Advice for Government and Education Authorities

The release of the NAPLAN results should serve as a call to action for both the government and education authorities. They must prioritize investments in resources, support structures, and professional development opportunities for teachers. By adopting evidence-based approaches and providing ongoing support for teachers, the education system can better equip them to meet the diverse needs of students and promote improved academic outcomes. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that disadvantaged students, including Indigenous students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds, have access to targeted interventions and educational resources that can help narrow achievement gaps and improve overall educational outcomes.