Tuesday 14th May 2013 NAPLAN

Here in Australia we have a nation literacy and numeracy assessment system for all children in the school system. Every 2 years from grade 3 on children are assessed and scored on their literacy and numeracy ability. There is a individual student score, a grade score, an individual school score and so on. All very complicated. Way back when before time began, which was when dinosaurs like me when to school there were to exams per year. We were assessed mid year to see how we were progressing. Then there was an end of year exam. This one determined whether one progressed to the next grade the following year or stayed in what ever grade they were in this year.
Michele, our eldest daughter, participated in Grade 3 NAPLAN last year. She was assessed as being very advanced for her age and grade. This year she is grade 4. However, because in her school they lump grade 3 and 4 in the one class, she is doing mock exams. Been doing them now for about three weeks. And it is driving her nuts. We have tried telling her that practice is good and will make it easy for her next year. She is not buying that and is protesting long and loud. Very loud. Defiance at its best. In fact I have christened her Miss DQ. Where D = Drama and Q = Queen.
The system is good on an individual level. Unfortunately it lends itself to abuse as each school tries to out do other schools and come up with the highest overall school score. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some schools encourage poor performing students be absent on NAPLAN exam days.
Michele will live. As I tell her, the earth will not come to an end just yet. The sun will rise tomorrow morning. It will set tomorrow evening. This will happen for at least another one thousand years. I can personally guarantee it!
Till next time........