Department of Employment, Education and Training

National Assessment Program

The National Assessment Program (NAP) is a national coordinated approach to measuring and monitoring student achievement against national and international standards. Ministers for Education and Training in all states and territories have agreed to the NAP.

The National Assessment Program includes tests such as the annual Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, the three-yearly sample assessments in science literacy, civics and citizenship, and ICT literacy and Australia’s participation in the international assessments of PISA and TIMSS.

Literacy and Numeracy Assessment

Beginning in May 2008 and in future years, all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in Australia will complete common tests in reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. This Australia wide assessment has replaced the NT Multilevel Assessment Program.

Literacy and numeracy achievement is measured against national benchmarks for reading, writing and numeracy. These National Benchmarks are the agreed minimum acceptable standards for particular year levels. Benchmarks for Years 3, 5 and 7 have been identified for a number of years. The benchmarks will be reviewed in 2008 with benchmarks identified for Year 9 students for the first time. Students who do not achieve National Benchmark will have difficulty making satisfactory progress at school.

The results of the tests are analysed and reports produced for each school on school performance and student achievement. Student reports will be distributed to parents by the beginning of Term 3.

When will the literacy and numeracy assessment take place?

The testing will take place on Tuesday 13 - Friday 16 May. Friday 16 May or Monday 19 May is an additional day for schools to conduct ‘catch-up’ testing for students who were absent on the designated testing days.

Who does the literacy and numeracy assessments?

All students in Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). While all students in those year levels are expected to participate, a student may be granted exemption from the assessments. Detailed information regarding student participation is provided in the Information for Teachers booklet (pdf 76Kb).

For further information on the national tests visit www.naplan.edu.au.

Why do we test our students?

The test results provide valuable feedback to schools and teachers about student achievement. They are used to report to the Commonwealth Government on the literacy and numeracy levels of Northern Territory students. They also provide information to the Northern Territory Department of Employment, Education and Training to help monitor system-wide literacy and numeracy programs.

 

Science Literacy

This national assessment involves a sample of Year 6 students participating in an assessment of Scientific Literacy. Science Literacy measures and reports on the students' capacity to use scientific knowledge and approaches. The test is a 60-minute pencil and paper section and a 45-minute practical task. This assessment was conducted in 2006 and will occur again in 2009.

Civics and Citizenship

A sample of students in Years 6 and 10 in selected schools in all states and territories participate in this assessment. Civics and Citizenship measures and reports on civic knowledge and understanding and the skills and values needed for active citizenship. The assessment is a 60-minute pencil and paper test with multiple-choice, short-response and extended-response items. This assessment was conducted in October 2007 and will occur again in 2010.

Information and Communication Technology literacy (ICT)

ICT Literacy measures and reports on the ability of students to use ICT appropriately to access, manage, integrate and evaluate information, develop new understandings and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society. A sample of students in Years 6 and 10 in selected schools in all states and territories participate. The assessment takes approximately two hours and comprised computer-based tasks. This assessment was first conducted in 2005 and will be conducted again in 2008.

For further information on these national sample assessments click on the links above.

TIMSS main study

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) involves a sample of students in Years 4 and 8. It allows countries to measure their progress in educational achievement in mathematics and science. This assessment was conducted in 2006.

PISA

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) involves a sample of 15 year-old students participating in an international assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Participation in PISA provides an indicator on how Australia compares with other countries.

For further information on these international sample assessments click on the links above.