Reading and writing worsens in Australian schools as one in three students fail to meet Naplan benchmarks
Summary
Reading and writing skills in Australian schools have declined for most age groups, with one in three students not reaching national Naplan standards. While numeracy scores improved for older students, they decreased for year 3 students. Disruptions during testing and regional issues affected participation and reporting.Key Facts
- 1.2 million students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9 took Naplan tests in March.
- One in three students did not meet the expected benchmarks in reading, writing, and numeracy.
- Reading scores decreased for students in years 5, 7, and 9 but remained stable for year 3.
- Numeracy scores improved for years 5, 7, and 9 but fell to the lowest level since 2023 for year 3 students.
- Tests saw disruptions from industrial action in Tasmania and flooding in the Northern Territory, leading to no state-level reporting for Tasmania.
- The education minister highlighted the need to improve early years’ math curriculum and supports evidence-based methods like phonics and small-group tutoring.
- Victoria, the ACT, and New South Wales had the highest Naplan scores and support explicit teaching methods.
- The federal government plans to invest an additional $20 billion over ten years to improve public education with a focus on early phonics and numeracy checks.
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