THE latest literacy and numeracy results reveal that children’s writing results have worsened.
New data from the The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released this month shows the achievements of years 3, 5, 7 and 9 pupils in NAPLAN.
The report compared 2008 and 2013 results with 2014 results, except for writing which compared 2011 and 2013 with 2014.
Overall student achievement has remained stable across 2008–14 and 2013–14, with some improvements in reading, and grammar and punctuation across 2008–14.
But performance in all years is lower compared with 2011, especially in years 4 and 5.
ACARA stated the decline in writing results was partly because students did not engage with the writing task properly.
For the first time, schools were not told in advance the style of writing that would be tested – persuasive or narrative.
This would have allowed students to be prepared to answer one or the other.
But ACARA stated it would continue not to announce the style of writing to be tested.
‘‘We will explore the use of different tasks for primary and secondary students,’’ it said on its website.
‘‘We will also consider using more than one style of writing.
‘‘We believe that if there is a focus on teaching the full range of styles of writing, then results should improve.
‘‘ACARA is disappointed with any student’s non-participation; however, participation remains high.’’
More than 1 million children took the NAPLAN tests in 2014.
Top of the class is a breeze
THERE is something quite exceptional about these three.
The Zaioor siblings of Narwee are already working at literacy and numeracy levels well beyond their years.
Lina, 12, and Ryan, 10, are top of the class at their school, Arkana College, Kingsgrove.
The pupils, who get extra tuition at Kumon Miranda Education Centre, have already decided on careers in medicine and engineering.
"It's great because when I go to class I'm just relaxing with all the work, I don't need to stress or anything," Lina said.
Ryan said he was happy to step in and help his friends at school if they struggled.
"Everyone asks me for help," he said.
"The first person they go to is the teacher and if the teacher can't help, they come to me.
"We're doing proper and improper fractions at school and I already know that, so I'm enthusiastic and putting my hand up, and people always look at me and say, 'Wow, how fast are you?' "
Their younger brother, Amir, 4, is also showing talent.
He recently enrolled at Kumon, and is breezing through his year 1 material.
Their mother, Manal Ayoub, said her children enjoyed being challenged.
"When they're learning a new difficult topic, they can feel like they're not smart enough [so I] just tell them it's well above their grade level, so relax."
LITERACY AND NUMERACY
National Literacy and Numeracy Week is being held from August 25 to 31.
The annual federal government event that was established 16 years ago is a collaborative approach with school communities to highlight the importance of literacy and numeracy skills.
It also aims to recognise teachers’ achievements and educators who support young people to develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills.
The 2014 theme is ‘‘Explore’’. Parents are encouraged to get involved.
Studies have showed that positive parental engagement and involvement influenced strong student learning outcomes.
How is your school celebrating Literacy and Numeracy week?
