[Greens-Media] MEDIA ALERT: Putting NAPLAN to the test

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
20 June 2013

MEDIA ALERT: Putting NAPLAN to the test



Widespread concern about unintended consequences of NAPLAN testing will be probed tomorrow in a Senate inquiry initiated by Australian Greens spokesperson for schools Senator Penny Wright.

WHAT:       Senate Inquiry into NAPLAN testing, instigated by Senator Penny Wright, Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools.

WHEN:       Friday, 21 June 2013, 9.00am-3.35pm

WHERE:     Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, 380 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000



"I have been overwhelmed by the response to this inquiry - we have heard from so many parents, teachers, schools and experts who want to see significant changes to these yearly tests," Senator Wright said.

"From the evidence we've been given so far, I don't think there can be any doubt that NAPLAN is a high-stakes test causing significant stress for students and teachers alike.

"One survey of principals found 66 per cent believed NAPLAN testing had a negative impact on wellbeing.

"Others organisations have said they want the MySchool website scrapped entirely because it puts immense pressure on schools and teachers to jockey for position.

"All this for a test the inquiry has been told only a minority of teachers find useful.

"The Australian Greens want to know how NAPLAN can be improved to relieve the pressure on teachers and put student learning first and foremost."

Media contact: Danielle Forsyth 0417 173 508



Senator Wright will be available for interviews to preview the inquiry on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Limited interviews may be able to be scheduled in breaks in the hearing, but she will also be available after 3.30pm on Friday to comment on the Inquiry's progress.

More information about the inquiry is available here<http://penny-wright.greensmps.org.au/NAPLAN> and here<http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=eet_ctte/naplan_2013/index.htm>.