Tasmanian students who have excelled in literacy and numeracy in the 2015 NAPLAN tests are being recognised across the state as the 2016 NAPLAN testing takes place from this week.
Today’s ceremony to honour students’ achievements in the South will be followed by ceremonies in the North-West on May 13 and North on May 17.
Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work and exceptional results in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy and I wish students who will be participating in testing this year the very best.
Statewide, 144 students are receiving a certificate for being in the top 1 per cent of the State and 181 certificates are being presented to students who received the top result at their school. Sixty-one students are receiving certificates for both achievements.
These events are held to recognise the achievements of students who are excelling at literacy and numeracy and to hold their outstanding results in high regard.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to improving Tasmania’s educational standards and while there have been recent improvements and the gap with the national average is narrowing, we must always strive to do better.
That’s why we introduced 25 literacy and numeracy specialist teachers to provide targeted assistance to students in Year 7 and 9 who have the greatest need for improvement, as well as our $17.75 million LIFT initiative which provides literacy and numeracy support for Kindergarten to Year 2 students through greater engagement between schools, students and their families.
It is important to acknowledge the students that do very well in these tests, just as we recognise students that do well in other areas of the school curriculum.
NAPLAN testing from 10-13 May 2016 will provide a snapshot of how Tasmanian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are progressing, with improving literacy and numeracy skills a key priority for the Tasmanian Government.
I’d also like to thank all teachers and school leaders for their continued work to ensure our students have the literacy and numeracy skills necessary to reach their full potential and experience a fulfilling life.
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