Three local schools in numeracy check trial

THREE Northern Rivers public schools are taking part in the NSW Number Screening Check as part of a state-wide numeracy initiative trial.

Goonellabah Public School, Kyogle Public School, and Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School in Tenterfield will join the 150 schools tracking year-one students and their early progress to improve student outcomes following declining NAPLAN results.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the screening check was part of the NSW Government’s plan to lift numeracy levels and was a key part of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Commonwealth, which delivered full funding for NSW public schools.

“NSW is leading the country in developing its own number screening check and will share the resources with other states once the trial is completed,” Saffin said.

The teacher-led check will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will focus on foundational number sense skills that are essential to later success in mathematics and numeracy.

Launched in Term 2, the trial follows an earlier pilot across 19 schools last November to develop the content, structure, and mechanics of the check.

“This new check gives teachers a clearer picture of where each student is up to with their numeracy skills, like counting, number order and simple addition,” Saffin said.

“It means they can step in early and give targeted help to kids who might otherwise fall behind.

“We know that early strong numeracy skills can better equip children for success through their school years and beyond.”