Should you be worried about NAPLAN?

It is NAPLAN time again this year.

In the second full week in May, students in Australian public and private schools, in grades 3, 5, 7 and 9, do NAPLAN. They are tested over three days.

NAPLAN tests skills essential for your child’s progress through school and life ahead – reading, writing, spelling and numeracy.

The official NAPLAN website can give parents far more information, and there are examples of NAPLAN tests should parents wish to show their children to get the ‘look’ and the ‘feel’ of types of questions asked.

But as a retired K-6 principal, who understands how families can become concerned, I would like to offer my reassurances.

This is a mock letter based on what I’d write to parents if I were still leading a school …

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, students will take part in the Australia-wide national assessment