The Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) todaysupported the decision by the NSW Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, tosimplify the HSC Minimum Standard requirements.
The change, which means Year 9 NAPLAN test results will nolonger be linked to the minimum numeracy and literacy standards required forthe HSC, had been sought by parents, schools and teachers since itsintroduction.
Chief Executive of AISNSW, Dr Geoff Newcombe, said theMinister’s willingness to listen to concerned parents and educators and addresstheir concerns while retaining the minimum standard requirement was an idealoutcome for all stakeholders.
"This common sense approach recognises the appropriateness ofhaving literacy and numeracy standards for all students, while removing anunnecessary burden on Year 9 students," Dr Newcombe said.
"This allows students to take the reading, writing andnumeracy tests online when they and their teachers feel they are ready, fromthe time they reach Year 10. Anything that helps to reduce the level of stressfelt by some students who are preparing for the Year 9 NAPLAN test is a welcomemove."
Dr Newcombe also said it was important to ensure that allstudents left school with literacy and numeracy skills at a level that allowedthem to succeed in their post-school lives.
"Focusing on literacy and numeracy in the early years givesstudents the best chance of succeeding at school and in most aspects of theirlives beyond school," said Dr Newcombe. ---
