It will also mark the final year the national standardised tests will be completed in May,moving to March from next year so results will be available to education authorities earlier.
This year,all tests except the year 3 writing task must be completed on computers for the first time,meaning the online tests are tailored to individual students. Most NSW public and Catholic schools have already transitioned to computer-based assessments.
Online NAPLAN automatically adapts to a student’s test performance and asks questions that match their achievement level. All students start on the same level,but depending on whether a question is answered correctly or incorrectly,the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult.
Australian Curriculum,Assessment and Reporting Authority chief executive David de Carvalho said this provided teachers and schools with more targeted and detailed information on students’ performance.
“The tailored testing means students are given questions that are better suited to their abilities,so they can show what they know and can do,” he said.
“NAPLAN online also has a variety of accessibility adjustments,so that students with diverse capabilities,learning needs and functional abilities are able to participate.”
Students at Sacred Heart Primary School,Mount Druitt,have been completing the online assessments for a number of years.