Thousands to sit annual NAPLAN tests

More than 220,000 Queensland state and non-state school students are preparing to sit the seventh annual NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests this week.   

Acting Education, Training and Employment Minister Ian Walker offered his best wishes and encouragement to students across the state who will be sitting the 2014 tests.

“For the Queensland student in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sitting the NAPLAN tests over the next few days, I wish them every success,” Mr Walker said.  

“Queensland student performance in NAPLAN continues to improve under the Queensland Government and I am confident the positive trend will continue in 2014.”  

Mr Walker said information from the tests would be used to identify student strengths, as well as areas requiring development at a class, school and state-wide level.

“NAPLAN supports the implementation of targeted teaching practices to better meet the educational needs of our students,” he said.

“It also supports the Newman Government’s commitment to providing Queenslanders with high quality educational opportunities, as we deliver on our election promise of revitalising frontline services.”

Mr Walker said the Newman Government had delivered a number of major initiatives over the past year to improve educational outcomes, including the$131 million Great Results Guarantee to boost student literacy and numeracy outcomes for our students.

“Improving the literacy and numeracy of state school students is central to the Newman Government’s commitment of achieving better student outcomes and increased pathways to employment,” he said.

“Like NAPLAN, the Great Results Guarantee is engaging our students in literacy and numeracy learning that will benefit them now, and in the future as well.

“It shows only the LNP has a plan to improve education outcomes in Queensland.”

Mr Walker said while sitting tests could be an anxious time for some students, there were strategies to support students before and during the NAPLAN testing period.

“Parents and carers can help by making sure their child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast to sustain them through the day,” he said.

“I encourage the students to relax, do their best to answer every question and remember that their classroom learning has prepared them well.”          

For more information on NAPLAN visit the Queensland Studies Authority website: https://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/

[ENDS] 12 May 2014                                                                             

Media contact: Emily Eklund 0403 645 519