Introduction of literacy/numeracy tests in schools

Widespread testing of the literacy and numeracy skills of 230,000 primary and secondary students in Western Australian Government schools will be introduced this year.

Announcing the move today, Education Minister Kay Hallahan said the school-based testing system was an Australian first and would ensure students maintained high levels of achievement so they left school with a sound foundation for the future.

"Employers, parents and the community demand and expect that our schools turn out students who have sufficient skills to make the transition to the workforce or further education or training," she said.

Mrs Hallahan said preliminary testing debunked the myth that the literacy and numeracy skills of WA primary and secondary school students fell short of community standards.

"Parents have every right to feel confident about Western Australia's education system," she said.

"While the high standards in our schools are a tribute to the commitment of WA teachers, we cannot be complacent.  The new testing system will ensure that standards are maintained and improved.

"It is in the interests of students, and indeed the economy, that we work toward higher standards."

Mrs Hallahan said detailed, accurate testing of literacy and numeracy would provide parents with information about how their child measured up to statewide standards.

"Parents will receive a report detailing their child's strengths and weaknesses and will be able to assist in addressing problem areas," she said.

"For instance, a child whose report demonstrates below average reading skills would receive extra attention at school, but parents could also assist by encouraging the child to read the newspaper."

Mrs Hallahan said the new test meant some existing reporting systems could be phased out - alleviating the demands on teachers.

The annual testing would initially apply to English and Maths for all Year 3, 7 and 10 students but could later be broadened to include other subject areas.

Testing in English and Maths would include skills in reading, writing, measurement, space and number use.

"This means that students who graduate from secondary school will have three comprehensive progress checks of their skills during their schooling," Mrs Hallahan said.

"Problem areas can be detected early and addressed prior to the next report."

Standards set for the assessments were developed with input from the Confederation of WA Industry, Chamber of Commerce, Trades and Labour Council, WA Council of State School Organisations, the Secondary Education Authority, Catholic Education Commission and State School Teachers' Union.