NAPLAN, which stands for National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, is a series of tests for Australian students in both government and non-government schools. The students take the tests every other year beginning with Year 3, so for national tests, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 must sit these literacy and numeracy tests. The test is a combination of short answers, multiple choice and extended response questions, and all students regardless of Year will use the same test papers and will undergo the same test procedures.

Before the scheduled NAPLAN tests, a range of important strategies and skills must be developed by students. They should know how to work individually for a certain period of time. They should know how to read and interpret questions, how to read and find information on a text and how to write on demand. NAPLAN practice tests will help the students foster these skills. If at all possible, the NAPLAN practice tests should be made a part of regular practice. Sessions allowing students to work individually, read and interpret should be included in these regular practices.

There are several benefits that students can derive from taking the NAPLAN practice tests. These tests are available online; however, teachers can also use the previous NAPLAN test papers and magazines. The benefits include the following.

• The practice tests make the students familiar with the layout, language and structure of the national test.
• Students are prepared and rehearsed in time allocations.
• The strengths and weaknesses of the students are determined before they sit the NAPLAN tests.
• Teachers can review early the units of work that students are studying.

The free NAPLAN practice tests are about Language Conventions and Numeracy questions, and can be used in class using a whiteboard, or be taken individually. Some websites on the Internet offer students the opportunity to prepare for the national testing. Some sites require that you register, click on the Year applicable (3, 5, 7 or 9) and select the topic like Numeracy or Language. The Numeracy course has different mathematical modules that you can choose from – numbers, space, measurements, algebra or mathematical working. This will prepare the students for the NAPLAN testing.

Some students can be exempted from the tests. Examples are those who come from non-English speaking countries and has been in Australia for a year to learn English, and those who have disabilities, functional or intellectual. If your child is a student with special needs, special provisions are already set in place for them. So if they are to set the tests, those provisions must be identified and established to meet their special needs. If you feel the test process will traumatize the kids, you can request for an exemption. You need to fill up a form and submit it in advance, so find a time to meet with the kid’s school teacher and principal to discuss about your request.

Australia’s National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is administered by ACARA, which are Australia Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
NAPLAN http://www.studyladder.com.au/learn/naplan-practice-tests tests are important for Australian students and before appearing for the NAPLAN tests, it’s better to take NAPLAN practice tests http://www.studyladder.com.au/learn/naplan-practice-tests .