ANALYSIS: Too many kids are skipping NAPLAN tests. Here's what we know about why — and why it matters
While primary school student participation in NAPLAN has been steady at about 95 per cent since 2014, secondary student participation has been in persistent decline. Last year only 87 per cent of Year 9 students sat the tests.flooding in regions across Australia, high rates of illness and COVID-19 isolation requirements — circumstances we hope will not be repeated. It is the long-term decline in NAPLAN participation in secondary schools that needs attention.
Students who are educationally at risk need the best decisions from schools and education authorities. If NAPLAN participation rates are low for these smaller populations, the data is less reliable and the ability to make informed decisions may be compromised.Students do not sit NAPLAN for three official reasons: they may be exempt from taking the tests, withdrawn by their parents, or absent on the day.
Being absent is also a contributing factor in the decline in participation; more so for secondary students than primary. In 2022, more Year 9 students than usual were absent from the writing test .