National Assessment Program
The National Assessment Program (NAP) measures and monitors student achievement against national and international standards, and includes the tests listed below.
National Assessment Program Literacy And Numeracy (NAPLAN)
Students in Years Three, Five, Seven and Nine across Australia sit common tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results from this assessment provide an important measure of how all Australian students are performing in literacy and numeracy against national achievement bands.
The 2010 NAPLAN tests will commence on Tuesday 11th May.
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) conducts comprehensive state-of the-art assessments of Mathematics and Science for students in Year Four and Year Eight, supported with extensive data about country, school, and classroom learning environments. First conducted in 1995, TIMSS reports every four years on the achievement of fourth and eighth grade students. Australia has participated in all five cycles.
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is conducted every five years to measure progress in the reading achievement of students in their fourth year of schooling, as well as trends in the associated home and school contexts for learning to read. A sample of Year Four students from across Australia will be participating in this study for the first time in 2010.
Science Literacy
This national assessment involves a sample of Year 6 students participating in an assessment of scientific literacy. Science literacy measures and reports on the students capacity to use scientific knowledge and approaches. The test is a 60-minute pencil and paper section and a 45-minute practical task. This assessment was conducted in 2006 and 2009 and will occur again in 2012.
Information and Communication Technology Literacy
The ICT Literacy assessment measures and reports on the ability of students to use ICT appropriately to access, manage, integrate and evaluate information, develop new understandings and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society. A sample of students in Years 6 and 10 in selected schools in all states and territories participate.
The assessment takes approximately two hours and includes computer-based tasks and a student survey. This assessment was conducted in October 2008.
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) involves a sample of 15 year-old students participating in an international assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Participation in PISA provides an indicator on how Australia compares with other countries. The last study was carried out in 2009 and will occur again in 2012.
