- Tuesday 30 April 2019
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This year NAPLAN testing will take place in all schools across Australia from the 14–16 May. This annual test, conducted by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, is important for assessing students' literacy and numeracy skills as they progress through schooling. The tests cover four broad skill areas—Reading, Language conventions, Writing and Numeracy.
As the dreaded testing time approaches, there are a few important things you can do to help you and your students prepare.
Before the NAPLAN testing period begins ...
1. Prepare classroom stationery for student use. Note: While students should have these items, it’s the teacher’s responsibility to ensure spare stationery is available.
Each student should have access to:
- three sharp 2B or HB pencils (one to use, two for backup)
- an eraser
- a sharpener
- extra writing paper (optional)
- any specific materials needed for the tests, such as calculators or rulers
2. Send a reminder letter home to parents briefly explaining essential details.
This letter should contain:
- the topics/areas that will be covered in each test and the dates and times that each test will occur. See here for the 2019 NAPLAN timetable.
- the stationery materials students should have available for the test
- tips for home routines that will improve student concentration during the tests such as eating nutritional foods, having a good night's sleep, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of fresh air through mild outdoor exercise/play, and avoiding arguments/conflicts which may cause additional stress/worry
3. Prepare the environment in which students will take the test. Note: The tests may be occurring in your classroom or in a designated testing location.
The testing environment should:
- have any display resources/learning material including educational posters covered or removed
- have desks separated so there is adequate space for you to walk between the aisles and to discourage students from viewing each others' work/passing notes/discussing answers
- be a comfortable temperature and have adequate air circulation (through natural air flow or the use of fans and/or air conditioners).
4. Host a class discussion about the upcoming testing to explain expectations, ease concerns and encourage positive attitudes and behaviours towards the test.
Possible discussion points may include:
- where and when the tests will be occurring
- how individual students are feeling about the test (positive, neutral and negative feelings)
- how to prepare mentally and physically for the test
- tips for conducting the test such as reading the information and questions carefully, and skipping questions that students are unsure of (re-attempting these at the end if time allows).
5. Provide time for students to get familiar with the layout and features of the NAPLAN tests. Work through some sample tests with students as a class or in small groups to help build students' confidence.
- If using paper-based versions of the tests, go to https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/the-tests to download a copy the tests for the year level you teach.
- If using NAPLAN online to complete the test, go to https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site and select the year level you teach, the select a test to practise.
On NAPLAN testing days ...
- Double-check the testing area is prepared with adequate stationery, desks/chairs and ventilation.
- Revise the instructions and expectations of the test being conducted to ensure you are able to answer students questions prior to the test commencing.
- Encourage students to conduct mindfulness activities to help them clear their mind and focus on the task at hand.
- Allow time for students to have a drink of water and go to the toilet prior to the test commencing.
- Explain to your students one last time that this test is important but it is only ONE test and that teachers use the results of more than one test to understand what a student can do/needs help with.
Remember!
NAPLAN is simply a test of basic literacy and numeracy skills needed for successful participation in curriculum-based activities and in students' daily lives. It is a reflection of what they knew and were able to demonstrate on the day of the test.
Are you looking to boost your students' reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy skills?