Investigating the use of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test results.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a nationwide testing program for literacy and numeracy in Australia. Several studies explored and used NAPLAN numeracy test results as a source of valuable data and a potential means to improve education. This paper presents a systematic literature review to investigate the use of NAPLAN numeracy test results in those peer-reviewed articles in relation to the purposes of NAPLAN results mentioned by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Findings showed a variety of uses of the NAPLAN numeracy test results in these studies. Most of the studies used the test results to map student progress and identify strengths and weaknesses in teaching. A significant number of studies used the NAPLAN numeracy test results that differ from the purposes mentioned by ACARA. The review concluded that there is currently insufficient use which reflects the purpose of NAPLAN test results. • There is currently insufficient use which reflects the purpose of NAPLAN test results. • NAPLAN test results are often used solely for measuring students learning outcomes. • There are risks in focusing too strongly on any one indicator assessment test results. • This study is applicable in contexts practising standardised tests and their unintended use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]