[Greens-Media] More unanswered questions on NAPLAN

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 

MEDIA RELEASE 

More unanswered questions on NAPLAN - Greens 

Fresh allegations of teachers falsifying NAPLAN results have raised more
questions about the validity and effectiveness of the test, according to
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. 

The Greens Education Spokesperson won support for a Senate Inquiry into
NAPLAN last week and said its terms of reference will be broad ranging:

"Reports over the last week of teachers manipulating test results and
students being discouraged from coming to school, cast real doubt on the
effectiveness of NAPLAN.  Why is it that teachers feel they have to do
this? Is the potential for the misleading reporting of NAPLAN data
creating a culture of fear within the education sector? For instance,
are teachers afraid of losing funding and support for their schools?
These are the kind of questions I hope to have answered through my
inquiry," Senator Hanson-Young said.

 "Education experts have questioned the effectiveness of  NAPLAN in
assessing the quality of education of our students. It's clear the
validity of the test is in doubt and its rapidly losing the confidence
of both parents and teachers. I look forward to seeing how can provide
more meaningful information to parents, through my Senate Inquiry."

Senator Hanson-Young reiterated her call to have the results of this
year's NAPLAN testing suppressed until these matters are resolved:

"In light of reports of bungling and manipulation of results, releasing
data from this year's test will only muddy the waters and potentially
lead to poor policy outcomes. I'm calling on the Deputy Prime Minister
to sit on these results until the inquiry has concluded," Senator
Hanson-Young said. 

The Senate inquiry is now receiving submissions and will report on the
13th of August. Further information is available online at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/naplan/index.htm 


Media comment - Robert Simms on 0427 604 760 



Robert Simms  
Adviser 
Community Liaison & Campaigns 
Office of Sarah Hanson-Young 
Greens Senator for South Australia 
Ground Floor, Telstra Building 
30 Pirie Street Adelaide SA 5000 
Ph: (08) 8231 9911 / Fax: (08) 8211 7533
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