One of Australia’s largest Principals’ associations has called for the NAPLAN writing test to be abolished, saying it would mark “the first step in modernising Australia’s National Assessment Program”.
The Australian Government Primary Principals Association (AGPPA) – which represents 7,000 primary school leaders across 5,300 government primary schools – made the call following a meeting of the AGPPA National Council, which includes representatives from six states and two territories, with two members from each jurisdiction.
At the meeting, which took place in Canberra this week, the Council expressed “serious concerns” about the “fairness, consistency, and validity” of the Year 5 NAPLAN writing assessment following widespread disruptions experienced across the country earlier in the year.
AGPPA President Pat Murphy said the association is calling for a need to review the writing in order to make it relevant for today’s learners.
“The review should consider the need for higher-order skills students need in an increasingly AI-enabled world,” Murphy told The Educator. “In practice, this would involve moving towards a more balanced assessment model.”
Murphy said any review needs to look at how to involve enhanced use of adaptive online testing, shorter targeted assessments, and tasks that measure critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy.
“Greater use of sample-based testing would be a strong option to consider,” he said. “A modern assessment program should assess how students think, communicate, and apply judgment in an AI-rich world.”
Murphy said this could look like students drafting, editing, and refining writing using digital and AI tools while being assessed on creativity and critical thinking.
“Assessments could include open tasks, collaborative problem-solving, and the chance to explain decision-making processes,” he said.
“The focus needs to shift from memorisation and first-draft production to authentic communication skills that better reflect contemporary learning environments, workplaces and society.”
Murphy said the review also needs to consider editing judgement, fact checking and how to enhance AI generated text.
“In a world where AI can instantly correct grammar, spelling and genre, the critical skills are increasing the quality of prompts, ideas, reasoning and discernment.”