First round of teacher literacy and numeracy test pilot oversubscribed

Teaching students are flocking to participate in the Coalition Government’s teacher literacy and numeracy test pilot, with the first round of 2,500 tests to be held later this month already fully subscribed.

The Minister for Education and Training, Christopher Pyne MP, said a further 1,200 students have expressed interest and are on the waiting list for the second round of 2,500 tests to be held in September.

“This level of interest shows that teaching students are voting with their feet in support of the test being part of their university requirements and want to graduate having been given the best possible preparation for the classroom,” Mr Pyne said.

“Doing this test will allow them to identify the level of their own literacy and numeracy capability and give them the chance to look at where they may need to improve.

“This measure, along with our root and branch reform of teacher training will mean in the future students will be graduating teaching from university ready to step into the classroom and teach.”

Following the mixed results in yesterday’s NAPLAN, the experts agree that teacher training is the key to lifting student outcomes and this has been a primary focus of the Coalition Government.

“In Australia student outcomes have been sliding both in relative terms internationally and especially compared to our Asian neighbours, and in real terms compared to students only 10 years ago,” Mr Pyne said.

“Along with our reforms in teacher training, we have already begun the work of de-cluttering the primary curriculum so teachers have more time to focus on ensuring all students have foundation literacy and numeracy skills.

“Our Independent Schools Programme is being rolled out in every state and territory in the country, giving schools more autonomy to cater for their local community.

“Finally the government is looking closely at how we can encourage parents to become more engaged in their child’s education and will have more to say on this soon.

“All these measures are part of our Students First reform programme that is designed to ensure our kids have the best possible education.”