School support
Each year, ACARA and Test Administration Authorities in each state and territory provide support and information to schools to ensure they understand what is required to support the administration of NAPLAN tests.
Support material available on this website
ACARA also provides support material on this website for the information of schools, parents/carers and the wider community. These include:
- View a video that explains how NAPLAN results are reported (5 min 39 s), including the individual Student Report;
- or click here for an Overview of the Student Report (1 min 41 s).
- View a video (1 min 45 s) that provides an overview of the NAPLAN common assessment scale.
- Visit the How to interpret section to understand the NAPLAN student report.
- The Student Report - information for parents brochure provides detailed information about how to understand individual student reports for 2012.
- Sample Student Reports are also available.
- A full set of sample tests for public viewing is currently under development, and will replace all the currently available tests for 2008-to the current year. Tests available on this website are intended for use by parents and teachers to help ensure students are familiar and feel comfortable with the look and feel of the NAPLAN tests.
- In the unlikely event that a test incident occurs at a school, Guidelines for managing test incidents have been prepared. More information is available under the Test Integrity section.
- The National Protocols for Test Administration, which are developed by ACARA in conjunction with relevant state, territory, and non government representatives. The Protocols are the top level guide to the administration of the NAPLAN tests.
- Example ‘scenarios’ to promote an understanding of the special provisions in NAPLAN tests.
- A NAPLAN information brochure for parents/carers which schools can print and distribute to members of their local community. This brochure is revised annually. Click here to view the 2012 NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers.
- Additional information to help schools and teachers understand how to apply the national protocols in selected circumstances.
- Sample Writing prompt and Marking Guide for 2012.
- 2012 Writing Fact sheet on the change of genre.
- A factsheet regarding school participation in the National Assessment Program 'small scale tests' such as NAPLAN trial and equating tests, is available.
Support material and advice provided by Test Administration Authorities (TAA)
The Handbook for Principals is provided to schools by the relevant Test Administration Authority (TAA) early each year. The Handbook contains information to ensure that the test administration process is followed uniformly across the country. Principals are responsible within each school for ensuring that all relevant staff are aware of the testing provisions in the Handbook for Principals, including the code of conduct.
The Test Administration Handbook for Teachers is prepared by ACARA and provided by the relevant TAA to schools with the test material. This handbook is designed to lead teachers as test administrators through the precise process for administering the tests.
While TAAs have responsibility for the implementation and administration of NAPLAN tests, school principals have ultimate responsibility within their schools for ensuring tests are appropriately administered.
If you have questions in relation to the administration of NAPLAN, advice should be sought from your local TAA.
Support materials distributed to schools
ACARA also provides information and support to principals and teachers to assist in the understanding of NAPLAN administration. Check the website regularly for news or information that has been distributed directly to schools.