Parents say “We’d struggle to pass NAPLAN”

… ARE IN THE DARK WHEN IT COMES TO KIDS’ HOMEWORK

In the lead up to the annual NAPLAN assessment in May, almost half of all parents say they aren’t entirely confident that they could pass their child’s NAPLAN tests according to new research.

In a nationwide survey conducted by online tutoring company, Cluey Learning, 39 per cent of parents say they could ‘possibly’ pass the test whilst nine per cent say they were ‘not confident’ at passing.

What’s more, a third of parents say they don’t know why their kids are required to do NAPLAN or are unsure about it, and 61 per cent admit they don’t know what the word NAPLAN actually stands for.

General confusion about NAPLAN testing for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 is still widespread with one parent surveyed saying, “I would like to know what work is being done in class and exactly what kids are learning and what will be tested.”

Dr Selina Samuels, Cluey’s Chief Learning Officer, said COVID-related school lockdowns showed parents just how little they actually know about what their children are doing at school or how they learn, so it’s unsurprising there is confusion about what NAPLAN is or how it fits in with the school curriculum.

“NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy which aside from maths skills, also tests for skills in reading, writing, grammar, punctuation and spelling,” she said. “Students may be covering a lot of material in class that’s not directly tested, so there may not be much obvious correlation between what they’re doing at school and NAPLAN tests.

Dr Samuels said Cluey Learning had seen a surge in bookings for NAPLAN tutoring since the start of the year. Whilst a huge 94 per cent of parents believe it’s important kids prepare to some degree for assessments of any kind, three in five parents (59%) say they either regularly draw a blank, or occasionally get stumped, when it comes to helping their child with homework.

“It’s still important for students to do some preparation for NAPLAN so they’re equipped with valuable skill foundations for other learning. Cluey’s programs introduce NAPLAN-focused preparation for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 approximately six weeks before tests are held so we can familiarise students with test formats and how best to tackle questions.”

A lack of direction from schools when it comes to homework has long been an ongoing gripe with parents. Another parent from Queensland said, “The Education department needs to supply information on the best sites and places to find what we may be looking for [to help kids with homework],” said another parent. “Currently nothing like this is available or we have never been made aware of it. Google is more of a help to parents.”

Dr Samuels stressed parental frustrations over homework are understandable. “In some cases, methods of instructions have changed, and – let’s face it – it’s not easy to remember how to do long division after 30 years. Moreover, it’s well-known that it’s extremely difficult to teach your own children. The role of teacher and parent are entirely different.”

She said there are various ways parents can get up to speed with NAPLAN and homework. “Ask your children’s teachers to explain the school’s approach to NAPLAN preparation. For those in Years 5, 7, and 9, it’s worth looking at their past NAPLAN results. Are there key literacy or numeracy skills that would benefit from focussed attention by an expert?

“Seek out help that will address gaps in their learning and equip them with essential skills for tests, like time management, reading multi-part questions and planning answers. Remember, these are not just skills needed for the NAPLAN tests, these are skills for life.”

Additional survey findings:

• Almost all parents (98 per cent) stress the importance of building their child’s resilience this year
• Over half of parents say their child’s learning progress has not been impacted due to COVID-related disruptions over the last couple of years
• Some 87 per cent of parents trust their child’s school and teacher to assist with NAPLAN preparation
• Three quarter of parents (76 per cent) agree kids need to further study for exams beyond the homework given

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