Key Points
- Tests and assessments are used to identify where children and schools are going well, and also where they might need some assistance.
- The results of tests are used to identify how students are learning in Tasmania and across Australia.
- Some are also used to see how our students compare to those in the rest of the world.
- Students should not worry about the tests and should be encouraged to do their best.
- Results will be kept confidential, and your child should not feel pressured or stressed.
Does your child have to sit the tests?
- Testing is a good way for you and your child鈥檚 teacher to see how your child is progressing. Test results also help teachers to identify ways in which to improve their teaching.
- If you are concerned or have any questions please contact your child鈥檚 teacher or principal.
How can you help?
You can help by making sure your child:
- has a good night鈥檚 sleep before a test
- eats a good breakfast
- stays calm, and just does their best.
Kindergarten Development Check (KDC)
The Kindergarten Development Check (KDC) is designed to assist teachers monitor the development of kindergarten students and identify those at risk of not achieving expected developmental outcomes. The Check provides information to support teachers educational planning and referral to allied health professionals when required.
For further information,鈥痯lease contact your child鈥檚 school.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
DIBELS assessment is used in all Tasmanian Government schools from Prep to Year 8.
DIBELS is a short assessment used by teachers to check how children are developing key reading skills
This includes:
- Recognising letters and sounds
- Reading words
- Building reading fluency.
The information helps teachers tailor learning and provide extra support when needed. This helps every student grow as a reader.
For more information about the DIBELS assessment, please visit the .
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are used across Tasmania Government schools to monitor student progress in reading and mathematics from Prep to Year 10.
For further information on the assessment visit the鈥�痺别产蝉颈迟别.&苍产蝉辫;
National Assessment Program 鈥� Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
NAPLAN is undertaken by all Australian school children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in March each year.鈥疶he tests gauge your child鈥檚 strengths and areas for improvement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. You will receive an鈥�痮utlining your child鈥檚 achievements in their NAPLAN assessments.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas (or 鈥榙omains鈥�) of:
- Reading
- Writing
- Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
- Numeracy
Further information is available from:
- The .
- .
National Assessment Program 鈥� Sample Assessments
The NAP Sample Assessments test students鈥� skills and understanding in鈥�,鈥�痑苍诲鈥�.
- Randomly selected groups of students in Years 6 and 10 participate in these sample assessments, which are held on a rolling three-yearly basis.
- Further information is available from the .
Other Assessments
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is conducted every four years and tests students in Year 4 and Year 8, in a random sample of schools, in maths and science. It enables us to compare the performance of Australian students in maths and science with that of students in other countries. Further information is available from the鈥�.
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is conducted every three years with a random sample of students aged 15 years in a representative sample of schools across Australia.鈥� It is a test used around the world and enables Australia to monitor student performance in comparison to students in other countries. Further information is available from the鈥�.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) is conducted every four years for students in Year 4 and tests literacy in a random sample of schools. It allows Australia to compare literacy performance to that of other countries. Further information is available on the .