Education Minister Grace Grace

June 6, 2018

Queensland parents have just over a week to have their say about NAPLAN.

Education Minister Grace Grace has called on parents and caregivers to provide their views and feedback about NAPLAN as part of a State-wide evaluation of the school tests.

“Since becoming Education Minister, I have been constantly approached by parents, principals and teachers about their concerns with the NAPLAN tests,” Ms Grace said on Wednesday.

“Just last month while we were governing from Mackay, I had a conversation with a mother in a local café who told me she had withdrawn her daughter from this year’s test due to the unnecessary stress it had caused.

“I don’t believe that was the original intention of the tests and that is why, earlier this year, I committed to conducting a State-wide evaluation.

“The timing is right to have a look at the tests to see what is working and what isn’t.

“I have also been pushing for a comprehensive, national review of the tests and we are working with our interstate and Federal colleagues to progress this work.

“In the meantime, we want to hear from Queensland parents and carers so we can gauge whether the program still meets the needs of students, parents and schools.

“I want to make sure we strike the right balance so that the right information is used for the right purposes, and any unintended consequences of the current NAPLAN program are recognised and addressed.

“We know Queensland is one of the most improved Australian jurisdictions in literacy and numeracy since the NAPLAN tests started, and we want these strong results to continue well into the future.”

Ms Grace said the evaluation was being conducted by an independent consultant, Dr Gabrielle Matters.

“Feedback is being sought from parents, members of Parents and Citizen’s Associations, and Parents and Friends’ Associations,” she said.

“Importantly, the evaluation will seek feedback from parents across all schooling sectors — State, Catholic and Independent — to ensure a broad view of opinions are captured.

“To make sure as many parents as possible provide their input during the consultation period an online survey will be made available.

“I encourage all Queensland parents to have their say before the survey closes on June 15.”

The survey is available online

Ms Grace said school leaders, school communities and other key stakeholders would be targeted in the next phase of the consultation.


 

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