In 2023, NAPLAN will be held early compared to previous years. This guide is for teachers, NAPLAN coordinators and school IT staff, providing timely answers to your frequently asked questions to ensure you can meet the challenges of online testing. At TechXpress, we offer various products such as disposable earphones and over-ear headphones to help make your school’s NAPLAN period as easy as possible, all at a great price and fast delivery. You can check them out here!

General

The acronym NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It is the only national assessment that all Australian students perform, and it is held once a year. It is run by the educational organisation ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority), and is hosted by all schools.
Schools can conduct preparation and familiarisation activities on the public demonstration site and by using the NAPLAN training environment. The activities will make sure that the school technological infrastructure can support NAPLAN online and that the staff understand administrative processes. More information can be found on the NESA website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/preparation-activities
NAPLAN provides an insight into whether children are developing the necessary literacy and numeracy skills. It helps education authorities, governments and schools decide whether their education programs are working, and allows them to readily identify areas of improvement. 
NAPLAN subjects include Language Conventions, Writing, Reading and Numeracy.
Students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 undertake the NAPLAN tests.
NAPLAN is held annually. It used to be held in May, but from 2023 it will be held in March. This means schools and educational authorities will have more time to consider the results and plan accordingly.
All students in the relevant years are expected to do NAPLAN. Steps are taken to overcome any inequities that may be caused by a student’s disability or language background, or by a remote school location.
NAPLAN tests essential skills including numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar. The content is based on the Australian curriculum’s English and Mathematics learning areas.
Students are expected to write a continuous text in the writing test. For everything else, there will be multiple choice questions and short written responses. Technology-enhanced questions, such as drag and drop questions, may also feature.
The type and level of support is tailored to the particular student and is determined in advance. There could be alternative questions or alternative formats, and there may be readers, scribes, and support persons. Extra time and rest breaks might also be available.
The NAPLAN public demonstration site helps schools and students to become familiar with the online test: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
Staff will be trained for readiness activities as well as for NAPLAN. Schools can contact their local test administration authority to discuss training opportunities: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts/test-administration-authorities-contacts
Schools do not need to have a computer for every student. The 9-day test window allows for tests to be staggered, so that students will not need to compete the tests at the same time.
Technology solutions exist for schools experiencing such problems. Schools can find out more by contacting their local test administration authority: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts/test-administration-authorities-contacts
With tailored testing, the exam adapts to a student’s responses by branching out onto different pathways. Students will be asked questions that are more or less challenging, based on their previous answers. Tailored questions better suit individual student’s abilities, and help reflect an individual’s knowledge and skills.
There has been a transition to tailored testing for online NAPLAN since 2018.
Locking the spelling section stops students from using the words in the other sections to answer spelling questions.
Student devices must be secured by the use of a locked-down browser. This prevents them from accessing spellcheck features and unauthorised apps and websites.
Students are able to use standard editing tools to cut, paste and move text. However, spelling and grammar checks will be disabled.
Due to targeted testing, students will answer questions that are more or less complex, depending on their performance during the test.
The tests will not necessarily be identical. Tailored testing means that students will likely work on different questions at different times.
A student’s performance in the test is more influenced by how familiar they are with the device they use for the actual test, rather than their general access to computers at home. Students learn how to use the appropriate devices and navigate through programs on them as part of their school learning.
The security of the Online National Assessment Platform https://www.assessform.edu.au/ is state of the art. It complies with government and industry standards and has been rigorously tested.
Student information regarding sex, language background, date of birth and Indigenous status is collected, along with test participation and performance. The information is confidential, and a student’s right to privacy is maintained by strict security features.
The responses will have been saved. The student can complete their test on another device, or the test session might be rescheduled. They will not be disadvantaged.
Students can use paper to plan or work out their answers. The paper is collected at the end of the test.
Unwell students cannot complete their tests at home. Instead, they may be able to complete catch-up tests at school, as long as they return within the testing window.
Students are unable to complete the tests early. They are expected to do the tests at the school they are enrolled in, but in some situations they might be able to take the tests at a different school in their temporary location. The matter can be discussed with the school principal.
Schools are prohibited from giving copies of the tests to any person or organisation, and there are no exceptions.
ACARA does not endorse any NAPLAN-style products. Teachers, parents and students should judge for themselves the suitability of any such material.
BYOD – or bring your own device – is supported by NAPLAN. The devices must be secured with locked-down browsers to prevent access to certain websites and features.
Calculators can only be used in the years 7 and 9 numeracy tests, and the NAPLAN online test player includes an on-screen calculator for these purposes.
The tests are readily comparable. They assess the same skills and the same curriculum content, and the results are reported on the same assessment scale.
The tests take 18 months to develop. Specialist writers create the material, which is trialled by small groups of students. Experts review the final questions, and they are only approved if they meet strict criteria.
ACARA develops the assessment and reports the results, Education Services Australia develops the online capability and platform, and school authorities are responsible for ensuring their schools are prepared to perform the tests.
The tests are administer by teachers, principals and/or deputy principals within schools.
The answers to multiple choice questions are scanned and stored electronically. Written responses and the writing task are marked by independent markers who are trained for the task.
Schools should contact the test administration authority in their state or territory: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts/test-administration-authorities-contacts General information about NAPLAN can be found through ACARA: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts
Students cannot fail NAPLAN, but those who perform below the national minimum standard may need support to help them achieve the necessary literacy and numeracy skills.
Universities do not generally consider NAPLAN results, but students who wish to go to university can use their results to identify areas in which to improve.
NAPLAN scales results based on bands. The lowest band is 1, and the highest is 10.

Technical Readiness

The locked down browser must be installed on all devices for students to be able to participate in NAPLAN online testing. Device requirements should be checked prior to installation. 

Step #1: Download the NAPLAN locked down browser

Use the Windows link on the National Assessment Platform home page: https://www.assessform.edu.au/layouts/Technology/LockedDownBrowser.aspx Save it to your downloads folder.

Which file should you choose? Select:

  • .msi – for Windows 8/10, if you have .NET 4.5.2 or later installed
  • .exe – for Windows 7, if you are unsure whether the computer has .NET 4.5.2 installed

Step #2: Install the NAPLAN locked down browser

  1. Navigate to the locked down browser installer file (NAP Locked down browser.msi OR NAP Locked down browser.exe). It will be in your downloads folder.
  2. Double-click NAP Locked down browser .msi / .exe to launch the installation wizard.
  3. Accept the licence terms and conditions.
  4. Select Install. If asked to confirm installation, select Yes.
  5. Wait for installation to complete.
  6. Select Finish or Close.

Step #3: Open the locked down browser

Open the browser to verify that it launches. If you see the main menu, the browser is ready to test and use.

Step #4: Verify that the locked down browser is working

Access the test menu and try the different functions. Take particular care to ensure that sound is switched on and that it works with headphones.

The Locked down browser must be installed on all devices for students to be able to participate in NAPLAN online testing. Device requirements should be checked prior to installation. 

Step #1: Download the NAPLAN locked down browser

Use the Mac link on the National Assessment Platform home page: https://www.assessform.edu.au/layouts/Technology/LockedDownBrowser.aspx

The .dmg version is the easiest way to install the browser on a single machine.

Step #2: Install the NAPLAN locked down browser

  1. Double click the locked down browser.dmg file to launch the installer.
  2. Drag and drop the NAP icon into the Applications folder icon..
  3. Close the installer window.

Step #3: Open the locked down browser

Navigate to the Applications folder to locate the NAP browser app. Double click on the browser to verify that it launches. 

Step #4: Verify that the locked down browser is working

Start the app. You will see the Launchpad. Select Device check. Take particular care to ensure that sound is switched on and that it works with headphones. Select Back to the return to the Launchpad.

The Locked down browser must be installed on all devices for students to be able to participate in NAPLAN online testing. Device requirements should be checked prior to installation. 

Step #1: Download the NAPLAN locked down browser

The app is available on the App store for iPad. See the ‘NAP Locked down browser’ app by Education Services Australia.

Step #2: Install the NAPLAN locked down browser

 Click to install.

Step #3: Open the locked down browser

Open the browser to verify that it launches.

Step #4: Verify that the locked down browser is working

Access the test menu and try the different functions. Take particular care to ensure that sound is switched on and that it works with headphones

The Locked down browser must be installed on all devices for students to be able to participate in NAPLAN online testing. Device requirements should be checked prior to installation. 

Step #1: Download the NAPLAN locked down browser

The app is available in the Chrome web store. See the ‘NAP Locked down browser’ app by Education Services Australia.

Note that Unmanaged Chromebooks (BYOD) are not supported.

Step #2: Install the NAPLAN locked down browser

Click on the app in the Chrome web store to install.

The app is configured to run in Kiosk mode. Kiosk configuration settings can be downloaded here: https://www.assessform.edu.au/Layouts/Technology/LockedDownBrowser.aspx

Step #3: Open the locked down browser

Open the browser to verify that it launches.

Step #4: Verify that the locked down browser is working

Access the test menu and try the different functions. Take particular care to ensure that sound is switched on and that it works with headphones

Leading up to the online assessment, schools complete technical readiness testing (TRT) on the assessment platform. This allows them to determine in advance whether they have adequate bandwidth, wireless connectivity, and devices with locked-down browsers installed to deliver NAPLAN online.
A capacity planning tool allows schools to work out their future resource needs and to allocate resources in time to meet their goal. It is an optional resource on the assessment platform, and can help schools plan device numbers, test spaces and schedules.
As long as the iPads and tablets meet technical requirements, they can be used for NAPLAN. More information about the requirements can be found on the assessment platform website: https://www.assessform.edu.au/layouts/Technology/Devicerequirements.aspx
Each student needs headphones or earphones. This is because some questions are delivered by audio, such as the spelling test.
Students can bring their own devices at the school’s discretion. Locked-down browsers will need to be installed, preventing the student from accessing spellcheck features as well as unauthorised websites and apps. More information about the technical requirements can be found on the ACARA website: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/understanding-online-assessment/technical-requirements
A mouse is not required, but it is up to the school’s discretion to allow their use.
A special locked-down browser is needed to access the national assessment platform. The browser is available for Windows, Chromebooks, Mac, and iPads. Department-enrolled Chromebooks already have the browser installed, and department-managed eT4L devices have the browser deployed to their device. For the others, schools will need to install the browsers. More information can be found on the platform website: https://www.assessform.edu.au/layouts/Technology/LockedDownBrowser.aspx
The locked-down browsers prevents students from accessing unauthorised websites, apps and spellcheck features. In addition, schools must follow national test protocols with strict security requirements and processes.
ACARA conducted a study on the effect of devices. The study found no overall effect across content domains, year levels and item types. The results of the study can be found on the NAPLAN website: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/understanding-online-assessment/research-and-development
Tests can be paused and resumed, and no time will be lost if a device experiences issues. If it stops working completely, the responses will have been saved and the test can be rescheduled. The student will not be disadvantaged.
Platform and process support is provided by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA): https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan. Technical support regarding devices and networks is provided by ED Connect (Department of Education).
More information can be found on the ACARA website: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/faqs and the NESA website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan. Government schools can also contact the NAPLAN online team: [email protected]

Readiness activities

Schools can conduct preparation and familiarisation activities on the public demonstration site and by using the NAPLAN training environment. The activities will make sure that the school technological infrastructure can support NAPLAN online and that the staff understand administrative processes. More information can be found on the NESA website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/preparation-activities
This is an end-to-end test that aims to make sure the NAPLAN online platform is ready for use.

Participation

Students with a non-English background might be exempted if they have been attending school for less than a year. Students with significant intellectual disability might be exempted after discussion between the principal and the parent/carer. Information about adjustments for students with a disability can be found on the NAPLAN website: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/accessibility/adjustments-for-students-with-disability
NAPLAN tests can only be performed in Australia.
The information gained can provide valuable information to schools and parents about the progress of individual students against national standards.
Schools that are closed for Eid should seek guidance from their local test administration authority: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts/test-administration-authorities-contacts Students who are absent on test days may be able to sit the tests at another time during the school’s schedule.
Schools can schedule the tests to be held first thing in the morning to help make sure that fasting students’ energy levels are high. 

Results Reports Performance

NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test. A national assessment scale exists for each test, and each test scale has 10 bands. Six bands are reported for each year level. The second lowest of these bands is the national minimum standard for that year level. An individual student’s performance can be compared to the average performance of students across the country.
Schools can use the results to identify strengths and weaknesses in teaching programs, and teachers can use them to identify students who need extra support. Governments might review educational programs and school support based on test results.
An equating process takes place each year. This ensures the results can be compared over different years, and changes in performance can be determined.
The report does not include information about individual schools. Instead, it contains results by state and territory and nationally.
Individual school results are published on the My School website: https://www.myschool.edu.au/ The results usually come out early in the year after the test.
School performance over time can be tracked on the My School website: https://www.myschool.edu.au/ It provides detailed explanations on how the data can be interpreted. School performance information is also available in the NAPLAN site under the student progress and results tabs.
The NAPLAN scores are the average results of all students in each test in the year level.
Individual reports reflect the student’s performance on the particular day of testing. It might not necessarily reflect their educational progress.
Equating is a statistical method used around the world in large-scale educational testing programs. Different tests have different levels of difficulty. The results are equated each year in order to standardise them.

Writing Test

Students are provided with a prompt or writing stimulus. This can be an idea or a topic. They are then asked to write a response, which may be in the form of a narrative or persuasive writing.
Year 3 students complete the writing test on paper, while students in years 5, 7, and 9 complete the writing test online.
The public demonstration site can help students become familiar with the question types and format of the online tests. This can be found on the NAPLAN website: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
Both types of writing are marked in similar ways, with assessment rubrics that include common criteria. However, they each have one criterion that distinguishes the writing types and is unique to them. The NAPLAN website has more details about these criteria and marking: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/whats-in-the-tests#Writing
Prompts give students a topic to write about, within a certain genre. It might consist of images or text. The public demonstration site provides examples: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
Throughout the test, students can draft their ideas and responses on a separate piece of paper.
Students with disability have accessibility options. They may include assistive technology, but approval is needed from the local test administration authority: https://www.nap.edu.au/contacts/test-administration-authorities-contacts Information about adjustments for students with a disability can be found on the NAPLAN website: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/accessibility/adjustments-for-students-with-disability