What NAPLAN Did For Me

I think NAPLAN testing is a complete waste of money and time. I have zero value for it. I strongly believe that we should get rid of NAPLAN for so many reasons, but this post is to thank NAPLAN.

Without NAPLAN my family would not have had the discussion about the lack of value in standardised testing. A form of testing that predominantly tests the taker's ability to do a test and pits school against school.

Without NAPLAN, I would not have spoken on ABC radio which also led to a nearly week long discussion about dyslexia and the fact that it is not recognised as a learning disability by the WA Department of Education.

Without NAPLAN I would not have been forced into making some tough decisions about Riley's schooling.

Without NAPLAN my child would not be as happy as he was today when he got dropped off to his new school.

Without NAPLAN my child would not be as happy and forthcoming about his day as he is when we pick him up from his new school.

For many reasons NAPLAN is wrong, but what it did do for our family was to make us make a change for the better for our child. We had so many niggling issues about his schooling, but the way they approached these tests with our child was enough to push us to action. As a parent, schools are intimidating, but if you feel that something really does not sit right with your child's schooling don't be afraid to ask questions and if you don't get the answer you like, don't be afraid to move them. Kids are very resilient.

If you want to follow the NAPLAN debate check out Greg Thompson@resultsofNAPLAN and his website http://effectsofnaplan.edu.au/