Tasmanian Labor
is wishing all Tasmanian students and teachers the best as NAPLAN testing kicks
off across the state this week.
The NAPLAN
testing window has been brought forward this year, meaning results will be
available to education authorities earlier in the year to inform school and
system teaching and learning programs.
This is welcome
news for an education system which has a lot of improving to do under the
Rockliff Liberal Government.
Tasmania
has some of the worst education outcomes in the country, with the Productivity
Commission’s Report on Government Services showing our state has the lowest
proportion of students at or above the minimum standard for reading and
numeracy across all age groups, except the Northern Territory.
It is now vital
that teachers are given time for high quality professional learning and the
in-class support they need to turn the tide following wage and conditions
negotiations with the Government.
The NAPLAN
testing window changes are an important milestone for our state’s education
system, which could lead to better access to information and improved student
outcomes.
On the first
day of NAPLAN assessments, it is extraordinary that Education Minister Roger
Jaensch is missing in action with nothing to say about the benefits of these
national changes.
Nothing is more
important than a child’s education, and it’s beyond time that the State
Government starts making this a priority, rather than focussing on things we
don’t need like a billion dollar stadium.
A future Labor Government will invest heavily in improving education outcomes for Tasmanians who have been left behind by the Liberals.
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years
