Kilbaha Education has been supplying schools and students since 1978. NAPLAN Trial Tests can be purchased from our Web Site https://naplan.com.au. Kilbaha has interactive, computer based NAPLAN Trial Tests with automatic marking for Years 3, 5, 7, 9. Detailed answers and responses are supplied with all Trial Tests. This NAPLAN Blog is not endorsed by and has no connection to ACARA. In 2025, NAPLAN will be held from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March.
"This month, we have released two pieces of research to support the move to NAPLAN online.
The
first was preliminary findings from a device mode effect study (final
report to be released in January 2016), which involved more than 3,500
students from Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across 72 schools around the country.
This study found that NAPLAN online is capable of being taken on a range
of devices (laptops and tablets), with no consistent device effect
across content domains, item types and year levels. The study also found that an external keyboard is not required for those students undertaking NAPLAN online on a tablet device. The
second piece of research (released today) provides additional evidence
that automated essay scoring is a viable solution for marking NAPLAN
writing tasks. Four separate and experienced vendors with different
automated essay scoring systems were trained to mark NAPLAN writing
tasks and were all able to mark the essays as well as the human markers. Visit the ACARA website to read more on the research."
NAPLAN test dates up to the year 2020 are
published on the NAP website. Schools should incorporate the following
dates in their forward planning for 2016 and beyond.
Students
will be able to use a wide range of devices, such as laptops,
notebooks, computers and portable tablet devices, on Windows, Mac and
Chrome platforms, when NAPLAN goes online from 2017. Today, (30/10/15),
ACARA has today released minimum technical specifications for devices
to be used for NAPLAN online. For more information, visit the 'Technical requirements' page of the NAP website and see the NAPLAN online technical requirements supporting document (PDF
98 kb). The specifications also include information on a minimum screen
size required, network capability, supported operating systems, minimum
disk space, security and external equipment, such as a pair of
headphones, keyboard and mouse. ACARA
General Manager, Assessment and Reporting, Dr Stanley Rabinowitz, says
there is still more research around devices that is currently underway.
“We
have released this information as we know some schools may be planning
ahead for NAPLAN online in 2017,” Dr Rabinowitz says. “But there is
still more research we have been doing around devices. For example, we
continue to investigate the use of on-screen keyboards versus external
keyboards for tablet devices. This research may support students who use
on-screen keyboards if that is what they prefer”.
While
NAPLAN online assumes reliable access to the internet, some provisions
will be made, where necessary, for students to complete NAPLAN on
computers without internet or adequate connectivity. This includes the
use of special server software and portable servers in schools.
“One
of the concerns we hear is that a school’s internet connection may not
be able to support all students doing NAPLAN at the same time,” Dr
Rabinowitz says. “We are not expecting all students to do NAPLAN at the
same time, or for schools to have one device for every student. When
NAPLAN moves online, we propose to extend the testing window from three
days to two weeks so students will not be taking NAPLAN at the same
time. The concerns around increased opportunities for cheating are also
unfounded, as NAPLAN online will use tailored testing so students are
not taking the same test at the same time”.
NAPLAN
online will require a locked-down browser or app to prevent students
from having unauthorised access to websites, applications and
spell-checking features during the tests.
“We
understand the issues around security, privacy and, of course, equity;
and we continue to address these through research we have been doing on
the use of devices in the NAPLAN context,” Dr Rabinowitz says. “We will
continue to work with schools, education departments and sector
representatives to develop an appropriate policy around the use of
personal devices”.
About NAPLAN online
Federal,
state and territory education ministers have agreed that NAPLAN will
move online from 2017, over a two–three year period.
State/territory
education authorities (where they exist in a state and territory) will
make decisions about the logistics and timing to move NAPLAN online for
their state/territory. These groups will also lead implementation in
their state/territory.
Advice on implementation and implementation timelines should be sought via the following channels:
independent schools: relevant school authority (where they exist in a state or territory) and/or from ACARA (info@acara.edu.au)
Catholic schools: local Catholic education commission
government
schools: relevant school authority (where they exist in a state or
territory), or department of education in a state or territory.
NAPLAN
online will provide better assessment, more precise results and faster
turnaround of information. Significant planning, development, research
and trialling are going on behind the scenes to make sure we are all
ready to move NAPLAN online.
Early delivery of 2015 NAPLAN Data Service and Student Reports
The VCAA is pleased to confirm that the 2015 NAPLAN Individual
Student Reports were delivered to all schools in the week commencing
Monday 17 August 2015. The NAPLAN Data Service
was also officially made available to all schools and regional offices
in the same week. This release represents an additional two-week
reduction in the reporting timeline compared to last year and reflects
the VCAA’s commitment to improved turnaround of NAPLAN reporting.
Student Reports
Deliveries of NAPLAN 2015 Reporting Packages began on Monday 17 August and included:
a covering letter
a confidential report for each student who participated in the NAPLAN 2015 tests for schools to distribute to parents/carers
Student Report information brochures for parents/carers
an instruction sheet with information on accessing NAPLAN writing test images.
As in previous years, student reports include information such as:
individual student results for all NAPLAN tests on the 10-band National Achievement Scale
an indicator for each assessment area showing the national average and the middle 60 per cent of national results
a written description for each assessment area identifying the types of skills assessed
a summary table describing the skills and understandings students are likely to demonstrate in each of the bands.
Parental interest in NAPLAN results remains high. Schools that have
not yet forwarded student reports to parents/carers are asked to ensure
that they have arrangements in place to do so shortly.
Access to students’ NAPLAN writing test images
In addition to the NAPLAN Data Service
reports, this year Victorian schools have been provided with access to
scanned images of their students’ NAPLAN writing test responses. The
VCAA believes this will assist schools with interpretation of NAPLAN
writing results and inform classroom teaching and learning programs. The
writing test images are accessible via the NAPLAN Test Administration
website, and will be available until Friday 18 September 2015 (end of
Term 3).
Details about access to the website and instructions about how to
download images have been sent to school principals with the NAPLAN
reporting packages.
Please note that schools only have access to images of the writing
tests of their own students, and that the images are made available
strictly for internal school use.
Access to the full suite of NAPLAN Data Service
reports was made available to schools on Monday 17 August 2015. These
reports include all school and state data, and some national data. As in
previous years, national data relating to subgroups will be
incorporated into the Data Service after the release by ACARA of the
final NAPLAN Report later in the year.
Schools must use their own unique login and security password to
access their results. Login details and 2015 passwords were issued to
schools in August. If a password is lost, the principal should send an
email to vcaa.naplan.help@edumail.vic.gov.au with the words ‘Password Request’ included in the subject line.
The 2015 Reporting Guide is available online, either via a link on
the Report Parameters page of the Data Service (see the following
screenshot), or from the NAPLAN webpage (under Publications):
The NAPLAN Data Service for 2015 provides direct access to a series
of online Data Tutorials which provide advice on how to effectively use
NAPLAN data. The tutorials have been developed in collaboration with the
University of Melbourne and are designed to assist teachers in
interpreting and using their own data in the development of teaching and
learning programs.
Access to these tutorials is available from the menu at the top of
every report in the Data Service (see the following screenshot), or via
the link that appears in the footer of each report.
NAPLAN 2015 Data Service professional development workshops
As in previous years, a series of NAPLAN Data Service professional
development workshops for principals, NAPLAN coordinators and teachers
will be conducted throughout Term 4. These workshops are conducted
free-of-charge at various locations around metropolitan and regional
Victoria. Details of times and locations for these workshops, and
information on how to register for them will be provided as soon as they
have been finalised.
On Demand
2015 introductory On Demand Testing workshops
The VCAA will conduct introductory On Demand Testing workshops at the
end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4. These workshops are for new
or potential users. The three-hour workshops will include an overview of
the On Demand Testing System and Computer Adaptive Tests, followed by
hands-on sessions focusing on test setup processes and administration.
Registration for the Term 3 sessions has now closed, however it’s still
possible to book for one of the Term 4 sessions. The closing date is
Friday 18 September 2015.
Term 4 session dates
Session times
Wednesday 7 October 2015
9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Wednesday 7 October 2015
2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Thursday 8 October 2015
9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Thursday 8 October 2015
2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Friday 9 October 2015
9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Friday 9 October 2015
2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
The sessions will be held at the VCAA Assessment Centre, 189 Urquhart Street, Coburg (free parking is available on site). Registration
should be completed online. All training materials and light
refreshments will be provided on the day. Note that all sessions are
free, and subject to demand. There will be no provision for
reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses or for the funding of
staff replacement.
Any queries should be directed to Liz Stojanova on (03) 9225 2326 or via email: stojanova.liz.e@edumail.vic.gov.au
21 August 2015 (from ACARA)
Federal, state and territory education ministers have agreed that
NAPLAN will move online from 2017, over a two–three year period. ACARA
is responsible for developing the NAPLAN online test and is undertaking
comprehensive research and trialling to make sure we are all ready to
move NAPLAN online.
From 24 August 2015, a sample of students
across the nation will take part in two research studies in an online
environment. In the first study, students will trial a set of new
reading, numeracy, spelling, grammar and punctuation questions,
including a number of innovative questions, only made possible using an
online environment. In the second study, researchers will focus on how
students are using different devices (PCs, laptops, tablets, tablets
with keyboards) to engage with online test questions. Results from this
study will help ACARA to ensure that when NAPLAN goes online it meets
the needs of all students, regardless of device. Responding to a writing
task using a device will be part of both studies.
Students in
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 from a sample of 195 government, Catholic and
independent schools across metropolitan, rural and remote locations from
around the country will be involved in these research studies. Over the
past six months, ACARA has been engaged in a range of preparatory
activities to ensure that these research studies run smoothly. ACARA has
worked with states and territories to enable school participation, and
we have partnered with Education Services Australia to allow the online
tests to be taken on the new online testing platform. ACARA appreciates
the participation of these schools. Their involvement and the results
from their trialling will provide valuable guidance to us as we work to
move NAPLAN online and ensure it will provide a better assessment, more
precise results and faster turnaround of information.
For further
information or if you have any questions about NAPLAN online, email
naplanonline@acara.edu.au or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
(ACARAeduau). Alert us to your questions using the handle @ACARAeduau
and tag #naplanonline
NAPLAN 2016 will be conducted for Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9
students on Tuesday 10 May, Wednesday 11 May and Thursday 12 May 2016.
The sequence and time allocation for the tests is expected to be the
same as in 2015:
10 May Language Conventions and Writing
11 May Reading
12 May Numeracy (with Years 7 and 9 completing a non-calculator and a calculator-allowed test).
Information about the schedule of testing and times allocated can be found on the ACARA website
Piracy websites will soon be blocked in Australia.
Last week I launched a book called Copyfight. It's about what some of us call the "copyright wars" … and this week the Senate sent a shot across the bow
by passing new laws to help block copyright infringing overseas
websites. You might call it serendipity, I'd say it's digital
inevitability.
We are in vulnerable times as we are in an
environment governed increasingly by technology romance on the one hand
and technology determinism on the other. These views abound around the
internet from selfish ill-informed users, to many of the commercial
proponents of carriage and search. Too often these groups' notions of so
called rights assume a 'licence to steal' and myriad other mangled
notions of law and its application.
ADVERTISING
Regrettably, precious little reasoned response has been in evidence from our national parliament until relatively recently.
The
welcome passing of this legislation is a response to obscene levels of
online theft which has gone unhindered for way, way too long. It is
nothing more or less than a social cancer ripping at the vitals of
intellectual property and the creativity at its core.
Digital change processes command our attention and provide
the central themes to the experience of what I would term "the new
normal" in society today - one which demands reimagined responses.
As
is pointed out by numerous contemporary commentators the notion of
periods of stability and static movement followed by modest incremental
change or bursts of invention have gone. The evidence of this political,
business and consumer revolution is everywhere.
We see
it in the changing consumption and interaction habits, driven by digital
technology, around us. Think of how you graze the world and buy things
now compared with your parents. Imagine what will happen with cars, real
estate, retail, health, finance or insurance before we even enter into
discussions of entertainment, culture, education or politics. Each will,
in 15 years' time, have little resemblance with today.
And
so the challenge to intellectual property has never been more
pronounced and its vulnerability to hostile action from a variety of
consumer, commercial and yes, political forces, has never been more
acute.
Oddly, part of the challenge in copyright is to
get decision makers to ask the right questions, and at the Copyright
Agency we would suggest that questions such as "How do you reduce the
business costs of great successful enterprises like Google, Apple,
Microsoft, Yahoo or Amazon?" is not the right question.
While
it is easy for us to feel outrage and to be in many ways justifiably
distressed, rights holders carry a responsibility for not having managed
the necessary defences persuasively to adapt to the digital world,
adopting new methods of delivery with appropriate changes in law,
access, behaviour and enforcement so as to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Piracy
is a word I detest and believe should be expunged from the copyright
vocabulary. It is way too rich with all its imagery associated with
political persecution, the Jolly Roger, parrots on shoulders and hook
hand devices and phrases like "C'mon me hearties " we should call it out
over and over as theft. And, in the unique instance of intellectual
property, theft is rarely, if ever, properly punished.
I'm
not talking about punishing some parent for putting a video of their
child singing a pop song on YouTube. This is about serious theft, such
as the well-publicised global downloads of one of the most popular shows
in history, Game of Thrones.
Why do the
websites facilitating this behaviour get to make money from it but the
creators lose money? Why are so many people comfortable justifying
their theft and blaming others for their poor behaviour. Copyright
vests in the creator inalienable rights to manage and control their own
work – something many of us take for granted but which we know is all
too susceptible to bad behaviours and processes in today's increasingly
narcissistic world where self-defence on the altar of personal indignant
assertion all too often runs riot throughout society.
As the book Copyfight explores
so comprehensively, we must ensure that copyright law is constantly
refreshed and amended so as to protect the work of our creators,
securing the rights to protect, promote and derive revenue from the hard
effort that goes into their original work so central to society and its
health.
Piracy websites will soon be blocked in Australia.